Chippewa Valley 5ive for Women The Chippewa Valley’s Premier Magazine for Women!
Related Articles
Today as I was walking to class I noticed a few leaves starting to change colors. I have officially pulled out a few of my cozy sweaters and had my first pumpkin flavored coffee since last November (I don’t even like these drinks, but they just put me in the fall mood). Most importantly, the Packer just beat the Bears, Vikings and the Broncos. (These are just a few of my favorite indicators that the seasons are changing.) Although, I would kill for another long summer day with my brothers on Lake Wissota, I am excited about fall. I can’t wait to cook all day on Thanksgiving with my mom. And I enjoy cheering on Henry and Gus in football–as I livestream all their games from here in Omaha (My friends make fun of me because there have been a few live streams that have happened in the Ubers on the way to social events, but hey I can’t miss my “little” brothers’ football game!) As I see this change in the seasons, I can’t help but think about all the changes that have been happening in my life. I was afraid to let change happen in my life for a really long time, but I have gotten to a point where I am comfortable and even embracing change.
The first big change I’ve let happen is to grow in my faith. I grew up going to Catholic schools.I chose to attend a Jesuit university and my faith has always been very important to me. That being said, I feel like I have always known about God, but I did not know God. For the first time, I feel like I am putting effort into my relationship with God. This has taken a lot of weight off my shoulders. I really believe that God has me right where he wants me. I see the good he is doing in my life. I am not saying that my life is perfect (it’s far from that!) I am a hot mess and have a lot of work to do. What I can say is that ever since I have been working to grow my faith, I know that there is someone walking beside me in all aspects of my life, and that’s extremely comforting.
The next big change on the horizon is to quit making excuses. I have always taken pride in my work, school, running, relationships, volunteering or whatever else I am doing. Sometimes, however, I fall short and things don’t go the way I want them to. It is hard to admit that I did not work as hard as I should have the first time, and in the past I have made excuses as to why I fell short. Recently, I have focused on taking responsibility. I recognize falling short from time to time is inevitable. In these times I have decided it is better to own up to my shortcomings and work to be better the next time. Through this, I feel that I am not rejecting my support system of parents and teachers and friends, but rather I am growing up.
And my final fall change is to never forget to enjoy life for what it is right now. I need to stop overthinking, or endlessly contemplating every little piece of life.This causes me to forget to enjoy the moment. By living in the moment and letting go of the “what ifs?” I already feel a lot less stress and anxiety.
So ladies, it is time to say goodbye to our long summer days and open up to some good changes. Enjoy some football or pretend you do. Open up your spiritual arms and look for a hug. As always, go “kill it” out there today, I’m proud of ya!
