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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cincinnati chapter.

 

 

Today I watched the Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, the 46th President of the United States. I felt hopeful for the first time in a long time as I watched it. The Inauguration struck a chord with me I hadn’t felt for quite awhile. And with that hope came the realization that for the past year, I haven’t been living life to my full potential. Although yes, we are in a pandemic and it would be hard to actually live life to its fullest right now, I haven’t been thriving – I’ve just been surviving. 

After seeing a few hundred videos on TikTok where other young women show their efforts to uplift themselves and make their lives healthier and better-suited for themselves, I’ve decided to join the bandwagon. Although I won’t necessarily be taking aesthetic videos for this, I’m hoping that my efforts will be reflected and noticeable by others. (That’s the people-pleasing in me showing . . . a bad habit I hope to kick for good while on this journey). 

My decision to focus on myself and my goals is more than just TikTok-induced envy. It’s been something that I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember. All throughout my adolescence I’ve compared myself to others, both in high school and out. And while yes, some of this is natural and practically unavoidable, the bigger issue brings forward a question: Am I doing what’s best for me? Am I being my true, authentic self? For so long I’ve thought I’ve wasted my youth trying to fit in to who I’ve thought I should be, neglecting my health and happiness along the way. 

The other day while doing my daily mindless scrolling through social media, I saw a quote that said “There is no such thing as too late”.  Something about this stuck out to me and made me realize that no matter how much time has been wasted, it’s still never too late to do what’s best for me.

As I do little things to benefit my well-being such as ending my streak of reckless money spending, journaling daily, reading more, spending less time on social media, and keeping up on my chores more often – I encourage everyone to join me. It’s a new year, and although January is almost over already, there is no such thing as too late.

Sydney Poynter

Cincinnati '22

Sydney is a junior English student at the University of Cincinnati, with focuses in creative writing and literary studies, while also pursuing a certificate in Screenwriting. She is passionate about all things writing and reading, and looks for love and wellness in all aspects of her life.