As we move into the month of August, I am coming to the realization that, once again, we are approaching the end of summer.
And, as I always think at this time of year, “how did this happen again?!”
I like the sunshine. I like the warm weather. And, since I’ve made the terrible life decision to stay in upstate New York, I have but a small window to live in my ideal climate before I go all grumpy again and annoy my friends and loved ones with my incessant complaints.
Me, between the months of November and March.
Anyway, while this time of year always gives me mixed feelings, this year is also slightly different from the rest. Up until now, there’s always been a new “cycle” that started up for me in the fall. A new school year, a new semester, a new sports season, a new job, but now? That’s not the case. My life doesn’t work in a series of cycles anymore and, to be honest, it can sometimes be difficult to accept. (Like, what do you mean my next four months aren’t all planned out for me? I just have to…live? And…make my own plans? Madness.)
My point — and I swear I have one — is this: approaching a new stage in your life is not an easy thing. In fact, there are some times when you probably think it’d just be easier not to have to change at all because you’re doing just fine thank you very much.
My rebuttal: sure, you’re fine for now, but what about later down the line? Are you really going to be happy in high school/college/grad school forever? Do a test for me: think back to when you were in middle school (yes, I’m doing it too and it’s a scary picture; the sacrifices I make to prove a point).
What if you had accepted that time of your life as the best it’s going to get because it was too difficult to change? How many things would you have missed out on because you weren’t willing to take that leap?
With the fall approaching, many of you are probably going to be going into a new life cycle, whether it be a new school year, your graduation year or your first year in college. There are going to be times where you’re going to want to hide in the present just because it’s easier than facing what’s next. But at the end of the day, I think we’re most fulfilled when we grow and change and discover what really makes us happy.
Also, it means we’re not in middle school anymore. #NEVERFORGET.
