Spirituality & Purpose : Why is it important to Find Meaning and direction in College Life?

 Spirituality & Purpose

Why is it important to Find Meaning and direction in College Life?

By. Reign Mosby| @itsgivingHandW| It’s Giving Healthy and Well-thy: The Health and Wellness project| on November 9,2023  

Finding significance and direction as a college student can be difficult. Being a college student entails a plethora of academic, emotional, mental, and other duties. Finding meaning in college Life can be an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. It gives college students the opportunity to explore their interests, values, and passions. Students can gain a better grasp of themselves and their values. 

Comparison Is the thief of Joy 

Comparing yourself as a college student  can definitely be a thief of joy. The saying "Comparison is the thief of joy" is accurate. When you're caught up in a comparison mindset, you lose sight of yourself. Being a college student can be mentally taxing and it can be so challenging to not compare your successes whether it be academically or personally. Trying your best to train your brain to focus on the good things about yourself , celebrating the small accomplishments, finding things that make you happy, and also sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone allows you mentally to be  in a better space to the point where you won’t notice comparisons and will find yourself more fixated on your journey. 

Your Journey is YOUR journey-Whatever is meant for you will be for you

To piggyback  from the saying "Comparison is the thief of joy," which is true, comparing your trip to others feeds into you. Always remember that your journey is unique to you. It's all too easy to get caught up in everyone else's path and what they're up to, to the point that you lose sight of your own. When you compare your trip to others, it can be difficult to come out of this place.But remember, whatever is for you will always be for you. A career, friendship, or relationship that isn't suited for you may be ideal for someone else. That does not always imply that you are undeserving of what someone gives you.

You are the company you keep

Surrounding yourself with others who share your interests can help you grow toward your goals throughout college and beyond. When you put yourself in a position to be a better version of yourself, you'll notice that people who aren't meant for you or to serve a purpose in your life will fade away, while those who are will either stay or enter your life. When you surround yourself with people that inspire you and want you to succeed, you'll notice a shift in your energy and achieve more of your goals.The importance of having a support system, a circle of individuals who motivate you when you're down, cannot be overstated.

Get Active on campus 

One of the benefits of attending college is that there are numerous possibilities and things to do both on and off campus. There is always something to do, from groups to events. You only need to check your email to keep current. Getting involved on campus allows you to meet new people and connect with someone or something that may be useful to you throughout your college career.Getting involved on campus can also assist you in determining what works for you in many areas of life against what does not, which fits into the objective and benefit of determining what works best for you and your purpose while honoring it. 

Take time to yourself & choose your own path 

Moments of  solitude are sometimes needed to get back to where you want to be. Learning the importance of self care and finding techniques that work best for you  will eventually put you in a better headspace when it comes to finding yourself when feeling lost. Spirituality looks different for everyone, therefore someone else's spiritual practices may not be the path that works for you, but educating yourself on the various areas of spirituality and self care will help you figure things out within that area. But taking the time you need to rest, whether that be in the form of a mental health day, writing a journal entry,meditating, or even listening to music while walking outside might best fit you and help you rejuvenate  your spirit which’s all that matters because this is your life and your path. Just because someone else might be elevating to a higher level spiritually and mentally doesn’t mean you can’t get there but the healing process takes time and isn’t  linear so giving yourself grace will help you the most in those tough times.   

Overall, whatever is intended for you will never surpass you. Being a college student already carries a lot of weight, and it's our obligation to attempt to manage it and take it off of ourselves when things get tough. Finding the path in life that is right for you might be difficult, but as long as you stay true and real to yourself and your being, that is all that matters.