Summer's coming to an inevitable end once again. Being home in New York really gave me an opportunity to step away from a bad habit I develop in Boston -- an unhealthy fixation on myself. I come to realize that while at college, my thoughts are consumed by my future, my plans for tomorrow, my studies, my friends, my little bubble that my life consists of. However, the real world consists of so much more of what I overlook on a daily basis. Here's some of what I relearned about people while I was home:
Importance of family
This we all know. And yet this is something I'm reminded about every time I return home. Spending quality time with my family really reinforces the special place they have in my heart. When I'm in Boston and something happens at home, no one wants to tell me because they don't want to affect my studies. However, all I really need to do is take the initiative to reach out and ask. Must keep this in mind for this coming year!
Avoid toxic people
I noticed this after reading a talk by Milton Glaser called 10 Things I Have Learned. A super great read so I highly recommend it. He says that there are people who may be "toxic" for you, and there's a very simple way to tell. At the end of the time together, are you more tired or exhilarated? After reading this, I unconsciously think about it when I'm out and find it to be very true. It can be 3am in the morning but still I can go home tired but still full of life, or I can feel like I've gone to the gym and back. Ah, life is so simple?
Satisfaction of keeping in touch
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Reuniting with friends from years ago and realizing you miss them as much as they miss you? Pretty neat. Everyone has stories; there are reasons for losing touch but if you can easily pick up where you left off the last time you've talked...then why not share them :)
Holding onto hate
Anger is a double edged sword. I didn't realize how much I cared and how much anger I was really holding onto until I was able to step away from all of it. After that, it became silly to me why it even mattered in the first place. Whenever I think about this, I remember a great book by Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet in Heaven.“Learn this from me. Holding anger is a poison. It eats you from inside. We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves.”
Embrace those who are constants
There is only a select few (maybe even one) that I can consider a constant in my life. Most often, these are people we overlook and take for granted. Learn to love and embrace them!
Anything you learned this summer while home from college?
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