Collaging College Life
As the new year begins, I’ve been reflecting on the power of happiness. In a world filled with injustice, we may question whether it’s okay to feel joy. When navigating personal challenges, moments of happiness can sometimes feel misplaced or even guilt-inducing. But I truly believe that happiness is not something we must earn; it’s something we all deserve. And just as sorrow, frustration, and hope can coexist, happiness can live alongside our other emotions. For me, one of the most fulfilling experiences is working tirelessly toward something I love and feeling deeply proud of the effort I’ve put in when it comes to fruition. The creative process itself is a source of joy, whether in songwriting, storytelling, or collaboration. Equally powerful is witnessing someone else thrive in their passion. There’s something undeniably beautiful about collective joy, and that’s one of the reasons I’m so drawn to music. True happiness is impossible to contain; it radiates outward, touching everyone around us. It’s unstoppable. If we all live in pursuit of our higher selves, true happiness is within reach. That doesn’t mean life will always be easy. Struggle gives joy its depth. Without contrast, happiness would lose its meaning and life would be stagnant. Stagnancy is the enemy of fulfillment, and we aren’t meant to remain in one place, physically or emotionally. We are living, growing creatures that need to evolve and shape-shift into our ambitions in order to feel spontaneity. If we live with motivated adventure and intertwine our goals with love, life will be kind. The pursuit of happiness will always include hardship, but in difficult moments, I hope we can look back on our successes and take them in. It’s so easy to become blinded by negativity, but gratitude and self-compassion are powerful remedies. This post is a reflection on the highlights of college life so far, but of course, life is more than a highlight reel. As we step into 2025, I hope we continue to design lives that align with our dreams, while also remaining hopeful, compassionate, and open to the full spectrum of the human experience.
~ GPF
