Backstory:
This semester I have chosen to put myself first. As college students we often get steered in all sorts of directions. Especially within the media we are told to “say yes more”. While I do agree in part with this quote, the reality is you should only be saying yes to things that make sense for you.
I found myself doing a lot of things out of my comfort zone last semester for the sake of having a new experience and being just like everyone else. However, a lot of these things I was trying were not productive for my lifestyle. They may not be for you either, and that is okay!
It Only Has to Make Sense To You:
It is very easy to fall a victim to FOMO in college. Not being able to say no, is a real thing and it is a problem that a lot of us have. However, setting boundaries is so important for your own mental and physical health. Setting boundaries is one of the hardest things I have done but also one of the best.
One thing we are no longer doing in 2024 is explaining ourselves. What I mean by that is explaining every single action you take and every decision is something you are not obligated to do. Let everything you do be strictly for you. Do not let yourself be influenced by your surroundings, especially if you know that you’ll regret the decision after.
On the opposite hand, if there is something you want to try, do it! For me it was Pure Barre which I was very intimidated to try. When contemplating this decision, I chose not to consult anybody, because I knew if I did, peoples’ opinions would stop me from doing it. Sometimes, you just shouldn’t talk about it with your friends first. You do not always need to seek an outside opinion, especially if it is something productive for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Try new things if it is something you have been wanting to try.
- Do not feel obligated to explain yourself to others.
- An opinion should always stay an opinion.
- You do not have to “fit in.”