I like my living arrangement, I love my friends, and I love the Burlington area. Yet, why am I not happy?
Adjusting back to college this junior year has been anything but easy. I hate wearing a mask, I miss seeing all of my professors in the classroom, I’m craving a competitive tennis season, and I’m longing for my true social life to return. On top of these struggles, I grew so accustomed to my parents’ and family’s affection, home cooking, and routine of summertime work and play.
While I am a huge, huge advocate for seeing the glass half full, I also think it’s important to address present and sometimes negative feelings. People keep telling me that I should just be thankful to be back on campus, but what if being back here solely reminds me of what it “used to be?”
Recently I’ve been feeling a bit homesick, which is a weird feeling for me! I enjoy being independent and away from home, but I think that these odd times are starting to get to me. I’ve tried to push the sad and unhappy emotions away, but I’m starting to realize that it’s probably not the best idea.
Instead, I’ve learned the importance to FEEL your FEELINGS. Have a good cry. Have a lazy Netflix day. Eat a whole box of mac and cheese.
We live in such a world that tells us to smile through the pain and put on a brave face. While I definitely can see the benefit in this, we cannot be expected to be joyful, positive, and forward-thinking all of the time! So, here’s a quick but important reminder that it’s okay NOT to be okay. You are not alone, and time can heal all wounds. Trust the process, listen to your body, and keep pushing forward.