It’s crazy to think that just 365 days ago, I was a recently graduated senior anticipating her freshman year of college. I had been waiting since I can remember for the new opportunities that were not available the year before. From rushing a sorority, to living “on my own,” I had big plans for my first year in college. Little did I know, this would be the year that I would be forced to learn some of the most important lessons in life. Honestly, if I told a stranger what my life has consisted of over the past 12 months, they would think that I stole the story from a soap opera. This year was chaotic, to say the least, however, I feel very grateful for all of the knowledge that I have gained.
Everything Happens for a Reason
One of the key elements that helped me get through this year was putting faith into the phrase “everything happens for a reason." Since I had found truth in this mantra for other life events, it drove me to persevere, as ultimately, pain teaches more than pleasure ever will. I came to realize that if one door closes it was for the greater good and that the next door that opens will offer you so much more than before. This ideology doesn’t just apply to events, the most important thing that I came out of this year with is the realization that it includes your own existence! We were all put on this earth for different reasons, it is your duty to actively try to discover that reason. An article on EveryStudent shared an analogy which told the story of a hammer seeking to find its purpose. The hammer was neglected in a tool box until someone finally decided to take it out. The hammer was misused to break branches and to knock a table leg back in place. It was not until the hammer was used to hit a nail, that it realized that this was the reason it existed. As I continue on with my journey I hope to discover for what purpose I was put on this earth, just like the hammer did.
Live in the Moment
In our modern day, it is almost too easy to go about your daily routine and cease to live in the present moment. My old soccer coaches always used to preach “don’t just go through the motions." At the time, I didn’t think much of it, however, I now realize the importance of this phrase. When you go about your day, glued to technology and wishing for the weekend, it’s hard to recognize just how beautiful life is. I admit, I am guilty of getting caught up with these irrelevant aspects of life, but as much as I can, I try to live in the moment; for once a moment is gone, it’s gone forever. After I made the efforts to slow down and to stop and smell the roses, I found that my happiness increased dramatically. I understand that this may be easier said than done, but if you don’t wake up to these facts, you will end up solely existing, not living. You have all of the resources to live your life to its full potential, all it takes is a change of mindset!
It's All About Perspective
When I was 14-years-old I had a huge wake-up call that would deeply impact the rest my life. Back then, I would get so caught up in these so-called “first world problems." It was after my dad passed away that I was forced to reevaluate my problems. It took a traumatic event for me to gain the ability to realize how irrelevant these little issues were compared to traumatic life events. It truly is all about perspective. The mindset you have sets the basis for each and every event that will occur in your life. It takes a wise mind to recognize exactly how blessed we are. I found that when I started to appreciate this, life seemed to get a lot easier. We are SO fortunate to have the “problems” that we do. Next time you stress about something that qualifies as a “first world problem," take a step back, take a deep breath and remember how little it will impact your life in the grand scheme of things. Once you gain the maturity to choose to distance yourself from these kinds of issues, life will get better, I promise.
Out with the Old, in with the New
The main factor that contributed to my unhappiness this year was remaining in a toxic relationship. After months of chaos, I ultimately fell into a deep slump. I lost all emotion; I genuinely couldn’t remember what being happy felt like. I started acting irrationally, which caused me to lose a lot of the good in my life. I would always ask myself, “what am I missing?” In retrospect, I think that it was not what I was missing, but what I was holding on to. I was such a strong, pleasant individual and I allowed an unfortunate situation to bring me down so much to where I completely lost myself. It took a lot for me to accept the fact that the magic was gone and all that was left were memories. Looking back, I do not understand how I let this small, insignificant obstacle impact my life to the extent that it did. These are the years of our lives! Do NOT let anyone tell you what to do or how to feel. Please, remove all negative externalities-- ANYTHING and ANYONE that doesn’t make you feel like the amazing person you are. Life is too short to get caught up with someone who doesn’t challenge you to reach your full potential. After I was able to fully remove myself from the feelings that resonated, I found happiness again. Even though I lost so much, I am totally accepting of it because as J.K. Rowling said, “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”
Christ is the Answer!
Growing up, I was raised a Christian. I was baptized, went to church every Sunday and went to an amazing Christian camp every summer with my two best friends. I have always known that God is real, as I have felt his presence before. Although, as I grew up, we stopped going to church as often and consequently, my faith in God diminished. After my Dad passed, I convinced myself that there simply could not be a God, because he wouldn’t allow such horrible things to happen. For years after, I never thought about God and would think it was absolutely ridiculous whenever someone brought up the topic of religion. Throughout this past school year, I would return home to Scottsdale in hopes of escaping my sorrows. Almost every time I made the drive, I would always drive by a sign that said, “CHRIST IS THE ANSWER.” Looking back, I know this was God reaching out to me. In March, one of my best friends, who was a proclaimed atheist, started talking to me about the higher power that is out there. After a lengthy conversation, I was inspired to pursue a relationship with God again. Almost instantly, I began to see signs and feel his presence. God has been the reason that I have seldom felt lonely, sad or scared. In fact, He allowed me to gain the strength to take the steps to become the best person I can be. Christ truly is the answer. If you are feeling lost in life, turn to him and he will guide your way.
In Essence...
Changing your mindset is the first step to changing your life. I believe that the key to happiness is to live simply. We have SO much to be thankful for, that in itself should be a reason to jump for joy! If you are mindful of the world around you and transmit positive energy, positivity will gravitate toward you. Please just be mindful. Listen to your intuition. Trust the system. Don’t sweat the small stuff! I learned all of this the hard way, but I believe that my awareness has brought me to a higher level of consciousness. Kylie, I couldn’t have said it better.
