On Sunday, Feb. 15, my page-a-day calendar said: "Just ask yourself: 'A year from now, will this matter?'" I thought that was some pretty terrible post-Valentine's day advice. However, it did inspire me.
The calendar was a gift from my grandmother who insists that I remember the small things, even when I'm so caught up in my own life I overlook them. She is on the mark with that advice. Even if I think the calendar is lame.
Think about all that the celebrities have - money, cars, clothes and an endless supply of people to adore them. They have everything we common-folk want or are told to want, but even they aren't truly happy.
Why do we still want those things? Why don't we simply want to be happy?
I'm not going to lie, I've wondered what it would be like to have a lot of money. There are several things I'd want to buy if I won the lottery! I attribute this to the influx of outside influences.
Advertisements, movies and the Internet, in general, constantly remind us how miserable we are because we don't look like Heidi Klum and Brad Pitt, own an Ed Hardy shirt or have the newest "6G" version of the iPhone. No one is there to congratulate you when you make an A on that accounting test or when you rocked a job interview.
It may sound dumb, but those things are important. Celebutantes don't have to worry about those things, so instead they focus on what they can buy. But as the cliché goes, money can't buy you everything.
So what is important?
Friends. For some people, it's that core group of girls, for others a shoulder to cry on, and still some prefer a "bromance." Whatever your fancy, celebrate those friendships and be truly grateful for them.
Family. And not necessarily blood-relatives, just folks you consider an important part of your life that have helped mold you into who you are. In the end, that's all we have.
Confidence and Passion. These two go hand in hand. Once you find something your passionate about, your confidence will grow. Confidence allows you to do things more effectively. People around will take note when you are more confident. Finding that passion is the big factor. If you hate your job, find something to do on the weekends that makes you happy.
Your self worth. This is the big one. Once you start taking care of yourself, no one can tear you down. People never take pride in accomplishing the short term, important things like tests, bills, and more. Even small tasks like washing the dishes or doing laundry are important. It's hard to balance a million things while being a student. Some students here are balancing jobs, families and friends on top of classes.
I applaud those of you who live in the library, pay your bills on time and live your life without doubt. I wish we all could be more like you.
