We as Collegiettes are wired to be wary of change. Some of us, more than others, resist it, hold it at arms length and fight it from disrupting our routine and breaking old habits. Some young women however embrace change. They have a strong passion for the passage of time and the transformation of themselves as a person. Even if you don’t see that in yourself, it’s there, waiting for you to discover the freedom that comes when you accept that transitions are a part of life.
As they say, change is the only constant. However, we are constantly tip toeing around in life, fearing anything outside of our comfort zone. We wait for change to happen to us, instead of making the change ourselves.
Change has been on my mind as my date for studying abroad approaches. Starting a semester is reason enough to be anxious and to desperately want back the comfort of last semester’s routine. Do not give in! Here are 10 reasons why change should be welcomed!
1. Let’s be honest, how incredibly boring would life be without transitions? We would all just be going through the motions not realizing how bland our lives are. Indulge in new experiences and take a chance! For example say “hi” to that cutie you’ve been eyeing on campus.
2. Have you ever looked back on your high school or freshman year self? Even reading tweets from last year can be such an embarrassment. Who was that person? Thank god we learned to be semi-normal…
3. Moving from place to place, breakups, drunk mistakes, changes in relationships with friends are alterations that are hard to find the good in. However, all of these events are stepping-stones to the person you will become. These are the years that we can get away with stupid mistakes and learn from bad relationships. We are learning, we are growing, we are exploring love and life the best way we can. Don’t take it too hard. Don’t blame yourself. You will change for the better without even realizing it.
4. Change can lead you to different people. Some who you never expected to mesh with and some that will open your mind. Some that could be potential love interests, or could beckon you to a different path of life.
5. Living in your comfort zone will only get you so far. If you don’t attempt to step outside of it you will end up trapped.
6. People will move on without you. They will be experiencing their own changes, and if you are stuck in the past you may unfortunately drift apart. Don’t let this happen. Adjust your life to one that makes you happy – you will never run out of things to talk about.
7. One little change each day like talking to a new person in class, trying a new food, or altering your style will prepare you for larger changes and will force you to adapt to a more exciting lifestyle.
8. Oh god… are we becoming more like our parents? The one thing we dreaded when we were young. As much as you don’t want to admit it… yes you are. Growing and developing into a more mature version of yourself leads you to create a more solid relationship with your parents. You begin to understand the decisions they made that you once loathed. You learn to cut them some major slack.
9. The guy that just dumped you? Or hopefully the guy you just let go, move on. I know… easier said than done right? Remember…we’re in our 20’s. There’s plenty of time to find your man, and more importantly plenty of time to have a ball.
10. You will become a better person, more interesting person. Someone with stories, with knowledge about life and have strength that people without change lack. Travel, question everything, explore your passion, don’t be afraid, don’t give up and be the change.