Do you ever feel like the universe has a personal vendetta against you? I’ve been there. I’m currently there. I recently noticed that, in my life, tragedy comes in threes — almost unwaveringly so. It’s honestly freaky. Well, the trifecta has struck again. While brainstorming how I could make my random opinions interesting enough to catch the gorgeous eyes of The Tartan readers, I noticed my thoughts becoming increasingly apathetic. I’m not one to go down without a fight, however, especially to an opponent as pathetic as my own brain.
It’s the time of year when everyone on campus is struggling, stressed, exhausted, and/or generally gloomy. And why wouldn’t we be? We haven’t seen the sun in days. It’s cold. The height of Carnegie Mellon’s seemingly perpetual midterm season is upon us. We have a right to not feel great right now. It’s okay to lay in bed and eat ice cream and watch Lola Young’s “Jimmy Fallon” performance on repeat for a couple hours. We’re not hurting anyone! However, as someone with work to do, as well as a life outside of that work (I know, I’m as surprised as you are), I only have so much time to sulk. This means that sometimes, I have to force myself to think positive thoughts in order to Get Stuff Done. I’m sure you also have stuff to do, so let’s think positive thoughts together!
One of my favorite ways to make myself think positively is thinking of things to look forward to. Here’s a list of such things:
Spring is coming up soon! The vibes on campus are amazing when it’s nice outside; everyone is walking around, laughing, laying on the grass, and just generally having a good time. Sunshine feels so nice on the way to class, and it looks so beautiful streaming through the windows. And while you watch the cute dogs run around on the hill by the tennis courts, you can take a look at those gorgeous pink trees (you know the ones). Also, remember the sound of birds chirping? That’ll be a thing again! Spring break is rapidly approaching, and even if you’re not doing anything objectively exciting, I hope you are able to rest and enjoy your time away from classes.
You know what else is cool? Nature. Look forward to all the pretty things that nature does. Have you watched a sunset recently? No? Do it. It’ll remind you how awesome our planet is. Winter sunsets are absolutely beautiful. Take pictures of them. Also, I sometimes forget how pretty the views from some campus buildings are. We can look out at the hills and trees for free! Speaking of things we can look at for free, let’s talk about stars. There’s almost nothing better than looking up on a clear night and watching the sky literally sparkle. One of my fondest memories from this school year is laying on the ground with my friends and stargazing. Finally, look forward to those times of year when the breeze blows and the air smells good. It’s so refreshing. A perfect experience.
Look forward to good times with people! Whether it’s going on outings with friends (if you need ideas, check out the ‘Burgh Bulletin in pillbox!), or just sitting in your bedroom studying with your roommate, there are so many happy memories yet to be made! Also, there are so many amazing people to meet! I’m a junior, and I met or became close with a lot of my best friends within the past six months. I might be biased, but I think my friends are the coolest people ever, and I’m so grateful to know them, even if it took 19 or 20 years for me to meet them.
Look forward to good times with strangers, too! Have you ever had one of those “humanity is good” moments with a group of strangers? Those are the best: even if it’s something small, like your class bonding over how hard an assignment was. I love moments that remind me that people are kind and good.
It goes without saying that there’s a lot of things to look forward to. I made a list of these things, then shortened it, then realized it was still too long to put in a single article. Let’s do a speed round so the editors who are reading this don’t completely hate me. Look forward to: The Oscars, Chappell Roan’s next album, wearing a really good outfit, the next issue of The Tartan, learning new things (especially cool words), soup, seeing live music, hearing a new favorite song for the first time, the comfiness of your bed in the morning when the room around you is a little chilly, fun little drinks, sweet treats, drinking water at 3 a.m., and the feeling of being done with all your homework (it’ll happen!).
I say this as someone who also needs to hear it: Everything is going to be okay. I pinky promise. You are loved beyond belief. You are strong. You are capable. You deserve good things. Life won’t be gloomy forever. When the universe wants to tussle, grab some boxing gloves and start swinging. We’ll make it through; we always do.
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