Ghosts Within | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Ghosts Within

It's okay to change, and other's need to allow people to change and not hold onto an idea of the person they used to be.

7
Ghosts Within
Letitia Hatch

It is in our nature as humans to grow and evolve. We evolve our thoughts and our feelings. We grow and change each and every day. If we stayed the same our whole life, we would become boring and predictable. Sometimes people change so much that the only thing that is left from who they used to be, is in the memories of their friends and loved ones.

Events shape the way we see the world. They shape the way we interact with our surroundings and our friends and family. The things we say or do and the way we change, shapes who we become, and that is what every one goes through at some point in their lives. These events can be huge and life altering. They can make us do a complete 180 on something we believe to be true, either about the world or about ourselves. These events can be traumatic or they can be happy. But they end the same. They change and shape who we turn into and how we see the wold.

For example, the life changing decision of coming out. When you are in the process of coming out you have so many emotions that go through your head. These emotions alone can change you. When you decide to take the step to come out, you are afraid of how people are going to react. You are afraid of how people's perception of who you are is going to change, and you are afraid that they will no longer love and accept you. Sometimes your biggest fears are just that, fears. Other times, they are not just fears but actual reality. These reactions that you experience when you come out can change how you view your whole world. If you get negative reactions from people, you will view the whole process as negative and feel isolated and alone. Sometimes, you will even start to hate yourself and try to change who you are, just so you can have your friends and family back. The opposite can happen as well. If you get good reactions and overall acceptance from your loved ones, it can give you self-reassurance on who you are and how the people around you change your fears. The positive reaction can change how you feel and how you view the entire process of coming out.

Positive and negative events that happen in our lives affect and change us. We evolve our thought processes and our experiences shape us into the person we are meant to become. Sometimes our loved ones have a hard time accepting that change in us. They have a hard time recognizing that we are changing and growing up. So they hold onto the ghost that we used to be. They hold onto the memories of when we were what they wanted us to be like. But what they don't realize is, that even they are changing who they are by doing this. Everyone's actions change who they are. Their thoughts and opinions and feelings change who they are. And that is okay. We are allowed to change and grow.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

6680
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments