High School Reflection
Wow wow wow. It is currently Thursday April 27 and it is my last day of high school ever. Since I’m in the IB program, we don’t go to school in May because we are busy taking exams. Lots and lots of exams, but nonetheless, after today the days of going to high school will be over. In my blog post I just wanted to reflect. Reflection on how I’m feeling, what I’ve accomplished, what I’ve learned, really anything that comes to mind.
Right now, I’m feeling grateful, happy, proud, overwhelmed, stressed, literally everything. I am proud of all of the work I have done and I’m excited to keep excelling. I know there is so much more to come. I think it’s important to recognize this stage in life, love what it has shown us, but get ready for the next stage. High school is a crazy time. Some love it some hate it some are indifferent. I have had moments of extreme love and moments of extreme hate. For those younger than me, high school will be a roller coaster. Look for the lessons it teaches you. It’s easy to want to blend in and be like everyone else. Don’t. Be who you want to be. Life is too short to care what other people think. Life is so much more fun when you are yourself. Insecurities and unhappiness show. If someone tries to bring you down, they are jealous, unhappy, or insecure. That is not your problem. Also know that high school is hard on everyone. People are going to get caught up in the craziness and you may be in the cross fire. Don’t take everything personally.
Love yourself and if you don’t, make change. If you constantly look for external validation you will never be satisfied. External validation includes parents, friends, grades, etc. Be proud of yourself. That is the best act of self love. Be enough for you and remind yourself often. Self love is a tricky journey. It is not linear and you have to continually put effort into it. Live for you.
Do things that make you joyful. Seek it out, create it, manifest it, put energy towards it. Create your path and make it revolve around happiness. Opportunities are always available, you just have to find them or make them. Make your life balanced. Balance work and play, healthy and unhealthy, happy and sad, lazy and productive.
Time will always pass by so you may as well fill it with something. Fill it with friends and fun, yet work and grind time. Let being productive feel good. When you fill your time with something that advances you and makes you your best self it is exhilarating.
Healing and forgiving is such a power move. Forgiveness is freeing. Hating someone, being mad at someone, etc. takes so much energy. I have struggled with forgiveness since ninth grade. Some things are so traumatic that it feels impossible to forgive. I used to never think I was capable of forgiveness, but I am so proud of myself because I have. Forgive for you not for them. Although forgiveness feels like it is about them, it’s not. Let yourself be free of the trauma and heartbreak. Recognize the purpose that person served in your life. Remember the good times.
I know everyone says this, but I really want you to soak this in. Surround yourself with good people. People that appreciate you. People that have similar goals to you. People that push you to be better. You are not stuck. You’re trapping yourself. It is so easy to be scared of the unknown and scared of being lonely. I am telling you right now, being alone is so much better than being with people who make you feel like crap. Don’t let people push you off to the side. You are important and you are worthy of love and appreciation.
Make your community. You can find community everywhere in every way. I will forever be grateful to have found my Yoga Shack community. They light me up from the inside out. The teachers and the yogis make me feel happy, strong, powerful, amazing. It is crazy how much love can be cultivated in an environment full of positive and loving energy.
What is meant for your will come to you. You have to put forth the energy, but what is meant for you will come to you. Stop putting up barriers. Let go a little. It is such a waste of time to worry about what you cannot control. What you cannot control will happen despite your worries.
Get out of your comfort zone, say yes, and experience growth. Be willing to be bad at something. Be willing to try something new. Be willing to be different.