Talking about the important things in life today– love, acceptance, friendship, and growth.
I did a blog post like this a while back, and I think it really helped me put some life into perspective. I wanted to do another post like this because as I am graduating college in a few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about how people will remember me, and how I have grown the last four years.
I think I have a hard time conceptualizing life post-grad. What do you mean I won’t be living with my three best friends in an endless sleepover forever?? How am I going to make a difference in the world and make it a better place while sitting in a 9-5 job?? I think that is why I created this blog– to know I made a difference in at least one person’s life. I want others to know they are not alone in the struggles with their body, or their mental health, and to do my part of normalizing normal things.
Something I talk to my therapist about frequently is my fear of gaining weight and people not loving me because of it. Newsflash to me: I HAVE gained weight during the pandemic (let’s normalize this!!!), and all of my friends still love me. I don’t know why I am so afraid of people only loving me for what I look like, rather than who I am as a person. I don’t love a single one of my friends because of anything superficial, but rather how they make me laugh and make me feel loved. And, if someone DOES only love you for the way you look, or you feel like you need to look a certain way for them to stay– you don’t want those people in your life. It’s taken me way too long to figure this out, and it has changed my perspective on a lot of things, you should think about this too!!
One of my favorite quotes will forever be “More than she is known for her accomplishments, she was known for the way she loved.” – Morgan Harper Nichols. This is quote is something I think about every. single. day. People are not going to remember you for the clothes you were wearing, or the grades you got, but rather if you smiled at them in passing and how you made them feel.
Another quote I think reflects my college experience is “When we think of ‘meant to be’ we automatically assume forever. But maybe it isn’t supposed to last forever. Maybe it’s just someone who is in your life to teach you something. Maybe the forever is not the person, but what we gain from them.” I think about all of the people I have met within my last four years at one of the largest universities in the US– it is hundreds. In the beginning of college, I tried my best to keep in touch with all of my friends from high school– even the people I wasn’t close with to keep my friendship circle wide. Now, as a senior, I m confident with having my small circle of friends. That doesn’t mean my friendships from high school were for “nothing”, because you can gain a lot from a single person. I think this goes for relationships too– maybe it wasn’t supposed to be forever, but you gained something valuable from that relationship, like self-worth.
Anyway, I want people to know that even if right now you are struggling, you are not alone. My leaving thoughts– be kind, try to love yourself, and tell others you love them.
best wishes, be well and thrive, cam
