I would like to think that I’m a fairly happy person. I often look on the bright side and stay positive, even in the darkest of times, like when I went through a breakup with a long-term boyfriend after my senior year of high school. I felt empty, like a piece of myself had left. In hindsight, this was one of the most important experiences of my life. I was able to come out of it as a better version of myself and most importantly, I learned that love is truly everywhere you go. (I also learned that going to Olive Garden with your roommate and best friend to eat away your sadness might be the best way to cope with a breakup).
It can be hard to see your friends and seemingly everyone around you pursuing relationships and experiencing deep romantic connections. Thankfully, I’ve come to realize that these experiences are not all you need in life, and in fact, they only graze the surface of what love can really be. Romantic relationships are great, especially when they’re healthy and you truly feel comfortable and safe, however, I’ve found that exploring love in different aspects of your life can be more fun, fulfilling, and meet your needs just the same.
In my first semester of college, I’ve been able to look for and find love just about everywhere. Loving yourself can mean spending three hours in a coffee shop reading your favorite book on a Sunday morning. It can also mean skipping a night out with your friends, lighting a candle, and binge-watching “Friends” alongside your favorite snacks. I’ve come to learn that it’s calling your mom when you don’t really have much to say, but you just want to hear her voice, and maybe hear yourself talk, too. It can be as simple as curling your friend’s hair before a night out because she has no idea how to. Love can even be complimenting a stranger in the checkout line for Target. It is so simple and it’s important for everyone to recognize that.
Finding love in the little things has been able to improve my life for the better as well as my relationships with others. I’ve realized that this has been able to prepare me for future connections and helps me continuously learn about the changing world around me. I’m eager to live the rest of my life knowing to always choose love, and that you can never expect what’s next in store for you.