Life is genuinely what you make of it. Every day, you wake up and choose how you want to approach your life. You are in full control, you have the power to determine what you think of yourself. At the end of the day, the thoughts and opinions of others don’t matter. Judgment is quite simply just people projecting their insecurities onto you. That is why I strive to stray from it and keep peace because drama is never worth the trouble and you will come to realize that too, if you haven’t already.
I have learned to recognize this through my many life experiences, some of which were not good ones. Yet, it was through these broken relationships and friendships that I recognized what is really important in life. It's not materialistic things like wealth or popularity. Sometimes it's important to take a step back and recognize everything that you have in front of you.
The things in your life that really truly matter, are the people and places that make you happy. Recently, I went back home to visit Minnesota, my old stomping grounds as some people put it. It was so renewing to look at my home town from a new perspective. Suddenly, I found myself scrambling to do all of the things that I love in the little time that I was there. I surrounded myself with the people that I love because they make me feel heard, make me laugh, and bring out the most genuine smiles. I also went to visit some beautiful places outside and watched several breathtaking sunsets over lake Minnetonka.
It was this trip, and honestly moving away in general, that revealed to me that the things that make your life special are the people you surround yourself with and the memories you make with them. Just looking at my town, if I didn’t know anyone there, it probably wouldn't mean much to me. However, knowing that I had so many connections, revelations, and moments just in the town I grew up in made many people and places incredibly special to me.
Therefore, don’t forget to be a tourist in your own town. Many of you are likely visiting home from college or spending your last summer home. Now that I can’t experience all of these things, I deeply miss them. I encourage you to go make the most of the opportunities and fun memorable experiences you have access to while you can. The other day my mom reminded me that I only really had about two summers left before I embark on my lifelong career. This opened my eyes to the idea that you are genuinely only young once, so rather than waiting for life to start, live now.
It is important to stop and have those main character moments. It is ok to take risks and experience failure. Sometimes people aren’t going to agree with your plan or your passions. That being said, go do the things that you feel are right for you and pursue your dreams, even if it seems like everyone isn’t on your side.
I know, that is much easier said than done. However, it is the relationships that you build and connections you make throughout this journey that will ultimately help you achieve success in the long run.
You are your best friend and advocate so work hard and drive yourself to pursue the things for you that you feel you deserve and will bring you full joy. It is your life, so go live it the way that you intend to.
I speak about this whole heartedly as my friends and family are my biggest supporters. Despite the constant setbacks I seem to face, they are always there for me and have helped me to achieve so many incredible things.
Remind yourself, even the little things count. I know I am no celebrity, but the personal growth that I have experienced from living life fully and intentionally has drastically impacted my approach to life and happiness in general. I highly encourage you to do the same, so that you can begin to progress towards becoming the absolute best version of yourself.
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