This week has definitely caused a lot of hype (Facebook's been plagued with it); but there's also the side of sadness that makes leaving school a bittersweet experience. Whether you're a graduate, passing through a transitory phase, or soon-to-be, this will apply to you. So I thought we'd talk about some of the positives of transitory phases ( aka times in life when you're forced to be more independent than the last phase). I've devised a top 5, because we want to keep it to-the-point, and it's important to remember that there is something to be gained through every change in life. Alright, here we go.
1. Freedom.
You've heard this a million times, but no value can be charged on freedom. The world is now your oyster, and you can finally decide what you want to do. You're no longer restrained to the confines of other peoples' ideas of what you should do. A huge and important part of independence is freedom; the difference between people is what they do with it. You want to enjoy it, but not too much. If you get too relaxed, you'll lose momentum -- and possibly sense of purpose, too. Freedom, like all good things, needs to be used wisely, and in moderation.
2. The Life You Want.
This one goes on from the last point. Basically what I'm saying is now you can choose the path you want to take. You are free to create the life you've always dreamed of, and find your place in the world. You get to be your own person, and that's a wonderful part of growing up.
3. Find Yourself.
It's never easy to move on from things in life that become a part of you. I have a saying I always use, that goes "when you become a part of something, it becomes a part of you." Naturally, then, it's not going to be easy to move on from that. School is a huge one. You spend 12 years there, and then you wake up one morning and think "Holy crap, it's over. How did it go by so quickly?" *Note - freak-outs are common at this point.* But it's also a chance to find yourself. What does that mean!?!?
In school, you're in a controlled environment where social ranks dictate your validity, your worth. You're made to believe if you don't fit into one of them, you're not that special. But once you break out of that environment, you get to be exactly who you are without reservations, hesitation or that horrible feeling of inferiority (feeling 'not good enough'). Why? Because you find people who appreciate you for exactly who you are, a career that edifies your strongest talents, and the special someone who will love you for everything you are (if you haven't already).
4. Know Yourself.
What am I talking about, right? I don't mean 'knowing yourself' in the sense of knowing what foods you like and your fashion preferences. I'm referring to the internal 'knowing yourself' that comes with independence. When you're forced to make your own decisions and be your own person, you find a new strength within you. You learn to rely on yourself, to have faith in yourself, and rationalize decisions. You learn to listen to your inner voice and trust your instincts. The truth is that in life, people will disappoint you. They will let you down -- and sometimes when you need them most; and that's why it's important to know and trust yourself, because as tough as it may be, sometimes you won't have any other choice but to do it yourself. As you get more independent, you'll find the confidence and the strength to push through on your own when you need to.
5. D.I.Y.
Leading on from the last point, when you don't need to rely on other people, it also means you're not waiting around for them. Exhibit A - getting your licence. Once you do, you no longer have to endure the painful wait at the train station, or the awkward conversations with drunk strangers on the bus. You don't have to beg people to drive you around anymore, or worry about irritating your parents/siblings/friends/whatever when asking them to take you places. Life is so much easier when you're not relying on everyone else to do things for you. It's not just about growing up; it's about making your own life easier, and showing people that you can be mature and responsible by taking care of yourself. It's a win-win situation.
So that's my top 5 highlights on the perks of being independent. The important thing to remember about every phase of life, is just to enjoy it. You'll be young once, in school once, in university before you know it, then working, married and retired. Or whatever you do with your life. That's not the point. Each stage of life is a process of change, and it's how you grow and become your own person. But at the same time, each stage is a piece you won't get back once it's gone, so don't forget to make the most of it.
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