Anonymous

Photography by Vilija Valeisaite

If you’re reading this, you owe yourself patience. 

Just yesterday I was reminded of a period in my early teen years when I was sick with an infection that changed my entire life. It's crazy to me how something so traumatic and the center of your world can turn into something that is just a memory. I think this is something that I have seen embedded into my life in many ways. The feeling that life is just passing you by and it’s hard to experience it all.

A lot of us are young adults who grew up with social media and are also navigating the world after a huge pandemic. At times it feels like a part of my life was taken away from me. I spent all of my sophomore year constantly comparing myself to people on social media and jumping into experiences that were not the best for me. Experiences that caused me so much anxiety and affected my health. All to fill the need for temporary satisfaction. But you have to realize the internet is a place for people to post the best versions of themselves. People are going through a lot of the same things you are but you don’t see it because you are behind a screen. If you really take the time to detox from your phone, you begin to realize the simplest things about yourself and the world around you.

Truly looking back at my life, I had periods where I would overthink and put myself under so much mental stress. In the moment, it can sometimes feel like the world is crashing down. But I am genuinely grateful for all the hardships and stressors I had. It may sound weird but I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. I wouldn’t be the person that is able to speak her mind and carry herself with confidence. Especially being young, I know a lot of people crave to know who they truly are and where they belong. I’ve realized things like showing off your appearance and being like the “cool” crowd doesn’t fill that craving. It's overcoming life experiences and being loyal to what you believe is right for you that does.

I know it's hard to put away the distractions, but sometimes time alone in a productive space is just what you need. You are the person that will have to sit in bed at the end of your life with nothing but time to look back at the past. I'm still trying to find the balance between being patient with how my life goes, taking those risks that give my life dimension, and living in the moment. Life is all about finding that balance and I'm proud of the progress I've made so far. 

Anonymous, Virginia Commonwealth University

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