Finally letting go and being myself has been something I’ve always wanted to do. 

I always was caught up in just getting by, just getting through one more day, just trying to fit in.

This year I wanted to take control of my life and make it my own. Ever since I’ve gotten into this more present mindset I’ve been happier and complete.

My life is my own, and that is the most rewarding feeling.

I work extremely hard at school, and the outcome is good grades; it’s the most rewarding feeling.

I have been working on my faith and strengthening my relationship with God, and the outcome has been being happier; it’s the most rewarding feeling.

I work on dressing how I want to dress and not worry about others opinions. The outcome has been that I feel more like myself and more complete; it’s the most rewarding feeling.

I have been working so hard all summer on improving my tennis skills, and the outcome has been me winning games and being stronger; it’s the most rewarding feeling.

This year I decided to take control of my life, and ever since I made that decision, I’ve been so much happier and just free to be myself. 

I no longer stress about my grades because I know that all the hard work I put in is enough.

I no longer stress about things going on around me because I know God has my back. 

I no longer stress about others’ opinions because I know I am happier being myself than fitting others ideas of perfection.

I no longer worry about being the best at tennis because I know all the hours of practice I’ve put in will help me.

This year I decided to take control of my life, and ever since I made that decision, I’ve been so much happier and just free to be myself.

I spent all of my freshman year longing to fit in and to be liked by everyone; at the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter. The only people’s opinions that matter are the ones that truly mean something in your life, like your friends, parents, or anyone else that holds value in your heart.

Other people’s opinions of you don’t matter in the end. It’s ok to be yourself because the true friends in your life will appreciate you for you. 

So, these friends that stay in your life because they like you for you are some of the most important, amazing people that you will meet in your whole entire lifetime. Do not take these people for granted; they are here for you, and you should be there for them. Encourage those around you to let themselves just be comfortable being themselves. So much good has come out of me finally just letting go and stopping stressing about the little things.

This year, I am working on “going with the flow,” and there have been many steps that I have had to go through to realize that’s what I want to work on this year, but I’m so thankful that I could take a step back and realize what I needed to change in my life to be happy.

It’s only been a couple of weeks into this school year, but I can already tell this year is going to be ten times better than last year, and I’m so excited to see how this year plays out. I’m ready for any challenges that will be thrown at me but I’m also ready for all the amazing experiences that will come out of this year.