I am a sentimental person, I think we’ve all established that by now. There are a lot of things, from the simplicity of college years to my relationships, that I like to keep for as long as possible—even when I know that all of it is temporary. I forget that sometimes, that can be a good thing.
Let me explain.
First of all, things that are supposed to last a while have a whole lot of pressure on them. From our expectations, our time, and the effort we do (or don’t) put into it, it’s all there. It can get overwhelming.
Because when you expect so much from one thing, whether it’s time or strength, etc. it probably also takes a whole lot of you to keep it going. Even when they’re not supposed to.
Just like our teenage years, our college years do not go on for an infinite number of days. If they did, I know I wouldn’t put so much effort into my classes. I also wouldn’t feel the need to put time into my relationships or learning or even adventuring, because I would have all the time to do it later.
That just isn’t as fun.
You know how they say people are meant to come into your life and leave once they’re impact is done? While I can’t say I agree that it can be boiled down to that, I can say that it says a lot about what we ask of others.
Of ourselves.
If I went around asking someone to marry me, but only if we dated for six years after moving in together for two with out life plans mapped out… It wouldn’t go well. For some people, there is always such a thing of asking too much.
Here’s why I’m bringing this all up now.
It’s my senior year of college and I’m starting to lose track of who I do and don’t know on campus. From my WOWies and OL’s and now both of their own WOWies, to my adings or coworkers, the connections are almost endless. And some connections are not going to last me through to the time I graduate.
I have to be okay with that.
Maybe some of them are the people I go out with and that lasts us through for a couple months. Whether something big breaks up the group or we all just stop going out together, that doesn’t have anything to do with how much fun we could have right now.
When it comes to my relationships, my time, and my commitments, I need to learn to give in to the temporary. I think maybe a lot of us do.
Take WOW Team for example—I spent so much time and effort and my existence on doing a good job for CCE and the people in it. Part of me forgot that by the end of The Week, all the students would have had their orientation, my WOWies would have their own, and my job would be coming to an end. After all, the “job” was never going to last forever even if maybe a few of the friendships do. Or maybe they don’t. What I’m saying is that we shouldn’t let that part shouldn’t matter so much, not if it only gets in the way.
After all, this life is something we’re supposed to be living. We go out to new places, experience new things or take on new challenges, and we grow. That goes for everyone, including the people in our own lives. So as they come and go, as we change our jobs or cities or past times, we also remember to take a step back and really appreciate it.
I know, sometimes I wish that in the best moments, all things could last forever in just that way. But they can’t and you know something? It’s exhausting trying to hold something together when it’s meant to fall apart. We shouldn’t have to, I know I have in the past and maybe I’m learning that I don’t have to either.
Because I’ve got only this last year of college left before something new and most likely temporary comes along. That’s a single year to enjoy the last of my largest years of growth and connection. From parties and going downtown to late night session or bike nights, it won’t last forever.
If it did, it wouldn’t matter so much.
Maybe there’s something you need to let go of today, or a little less pressure you need to hold it to. Do it. Change your standards, just a little bit. You might be surprised what that feels like, the freedom it can allow you.
Who knows, maybe it’ll lead you to living your best life. I know that’s my goal.
Happy Friday everyone, see you next week.
kwilliamsbooks 