Since coming to college I have learned a lot of things about myself, and other people. One big thing that I’ve learned is that you are on your own for most things in life. Your friends will have things going on that will put meeting up on the back burner. And that is okay; it’s a part of life. However, accepting that is not always easy. I know it wasn’t for me. Eventually you won’t even notice when you’re doing things alone that you used to only do with friends. Nonetheless you have to adapt, and learn to love independence and being alone.Â
In high school, I was very dependent on friendships. Less responsibilities meant spending any free second with your friends. I was hardly ever alone. If I needed to run to Target, I picked my friend up on the way. Going to the nail salon? I’m calling a friend and bringing her with me!
When I came to college and didn’t have these friendships to rely on, coming in without friends, and it was quite the adjustment. I hated doing things alone; it was so foreign to me. I constantly thought I would be judged for sitting alone, or just being by myself. However, as time has come and gone, I’ve gotten more comfortable with this– and I’ve learned to actually appreciate this independence.Â
I have learned so much more about myself in doing things alone, and I am a lot more capable than I thought I was. There are a lot of things that I used to just ask for help with, not necessarily because I needed it or because I wanted it, but because it was a habit. The first time I did these things alone I dreaded it, but now I complete them with little to no thought. I find myself a lot prouder of myself than before. There are so many firsts with becoming independent – and it is very rewarding in so many ways.Â
Being independent and able to function alone is so empowering. I never thought I could be so comfortable being by myself, but now that comfort expanded to even choosing being alone over being with others. I find myself excited for doing things alone, something for just me! Going to workout classes, eating lunch, getting my nails done, or even just doing homework alone. There is so much peace in it. Allowing yourself to be comfortable with just you is a very powerful thing. There is no use in relying strictly on others, because they are not always going to be there. You know yourself best, and you should love being who you are. That comes with being alone and having time with just yourself. This isn’t to say friendships and relying on others for some things isn’t okay, because it is, and others are usually necessary for us to get through our hardest times. It just means that becoming closer with yourself and being dependent on yourself is equally as important. If you can carry yourself through the hardest times, imagine what you can do in your best times– with a support system by your side.