I can’t count all the times I’ve cried alone in my room while wondering if life really does “get better.” Everyone said it did, but I had no reason to believe them. All I had seen was getting more responsibilities and more emotions to deal with. I was looking into a future where things just got harder, and I had a hard time believing that that could mean “better.”
But it was better. Yes, I have more responsibilities now, but I’m also more equipped to handle them. Yes, I’m still dealing with a lot of the same issues, but they get easier to deal with. I also have met so many new people and had so many opportunities that made my life “better.” I just needed to wait to find them.
All I needed was patience. I wish I could tell that to myself a year ago. There’s so much power in understanding that even if you don’t know how, life still gets better. I needed to be okay with trusting that I will become the version of myself who can handle the future.
“Better” doesn’t look the way I, or anyone, thought it would. No one can predict the future, so we need the patience to discover it. I remember thinking that there was no way Junior Year could possibly be better than Sophomore Year, and yet it was. I became more resilient, organized, outgoing, and capable. These traits translate to me being able to enjoy my life more and be more willing to face daily challenges.
This applies to everyone. Even if you’re done growing up, if that is even possible, time still offers experiences and knowledge that make the future worth waiting for.
So, the next time you feel pessimistic about the future, remember that even if there are new challenges, you will be strong enough to face them.
Now, when I think about the future, I feel excitement. Whatever’s next will bring more challenges, but it will also bring more joy and allow me to become a better version of myself.
Until next time,
Ella Greene
