The Little Things That Save You Teena Pappula
Going through life as a young adult sometimes feels like scrambling up a hill as boulders come rolling down your path. A new crisis appears as soon as you avert the one that came before it, and it gets exhausting committing to this endless climb. All you can do is be patient and hope that your destination will be what you want it to be. After all, there is no map for you to follow – not a single person has been on this exact trail, so even with any advice that you’re given on how to navigate it, you yourself have to discern if it’s right for you.
And then there’s that feeling: the urge to find a new path, something easier but maybe less yours, just so you can be certain that you’ll at least make it somewhere before you run out of opportunities. So, how do you keep going when the forks in the road feel impossible to navigate? From my experience, sometimes, the universe schedules a major life event for you, something that resets your motivations and priorities. Other times, it’s often the little things that save you.
Hearing birdsong on the walk to an 8:00 A.M. class when you’d rather sleep in. Wearing an outfit that feels good on an otherwise unmotivated day. Something that you can count on, like the release of a new album from an artist you adore. Something unexpected, like a text from an old friend sharing good news and appreciation for your support. They can be as warm as golden hour light on your face as you walk back home from your last class of the week or as cool as ice cream with someone you love. They can be rewardingly painful, like sore muscles after a workout, or comforting, like calling your best friend in between classes, laughing and crying about life.
There are parts of your life that go on resumes and in photo frames – these represent your milestones and they comprise the long-term goals that give you purpose. However, the smaller moments in life are often what make it the most beautiful. They’re a reminder that no matter what the destination and no matter what hurdles come your way, you can enjoy the journey, take breaks as you need, and feel light and warmth even when the sun is resting. As a perfectionist who has struggled with burnout and imposter syndrome for a very long time, trust me: there’s a time to be pushing yourself through a race and a time to get off the track, sit or lay down, and just enjoy watching the clouds move past you. Hug your parents a little longer, yap with your friend a little more, binge that series. Enjoy it all. It may be saving you more than you know if you stop overthinking and just let it.