As someone who finds myself caring way too much about a lot in my life, the art of not caring is an ideology that I hold very close. And no, I am not talking about not listening to a story from a friend, ignoring deadlines or not holding yourself responsible for your own actions. What I am talking about is forgiveness and authenticity.
It is so incredibly easy to get caught up in a moment. It doesn’t necessarily matter how small or minute it is in reality — bad days can sometimes lead to worse thoughts. While this may not be the hot take you were looking for, I can’t help but state the obvious.
Since coming to college, I have found myself caring significantly less regarding certain aspects of my life. Though my general future and life outlook does occasionally keep me up into the late hours of the night (I’m usually already awake), I also have a deeper appreciation of the smaller moments in my day-to-day life.
Not only this, but I have also come to understand how to forgive myself. I make bad art, get the occasional objectively bad grade, talk too loudly in public spaces and don’t always read all of the instructions.
At the end of the day, it does not matter in the slightest. I enjoy my bad art. If I make one bad impression, so be it. If I talk a little too loud, so be it. Being authentically myself will attract what is meant for me and repel what is not.
Some days, it is easier said than done, but I urge each and every person to make an impulsive decision, to invest in creating bad art, to make a leaf pile and indulge in what makes you happy.
In addition to this, some of my favorite memories are made from being able to see the beauty in the mundane: simple days with impromptu plans and the right kind of people, especially days where I have put off my work load and avoided more chores than I probably should have. It has been the leaf piles, sweet drinks, movie nights, obnoxiously loud conversations and random get-togethers that saved me. As my friends have said, “I am cringe, and I am free.”
With that being said, it is important to recognize when to forgive yourself and not care about the things that have the ability to keep you up at night. Sometimes life is just beautiful, and you have the time to look around.
A recent memory that comes to mind was when me and my roommates, beloved editor-in-chief Bella White ‘27 and Journalist with a big “J” Ava Daugherty ‘27, were chatting late into the night. Prior to going to sleep, we realized it began to heavily snow outside. As it was the first big snow of the year, we impulsively decided to walk from our apartment to the Quad, bundled in our pajamas and jackets.
While finals season was approaching and we all had work to do or sleep to catch up on, it was this decision that made a memory. The three of us threw snowballs at each other, ran around, watched the snow quietly fall to the ground and caught snowflakes in our mouths. My clothes ended up cold and soaked from the snow angel I made before walking home.
Even as I am sure I could have been more “productive” with my time, I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.
Emily Brooks ‘27, a close friend of mine who also happens to be our layout editor, recently compiled a series of clips from her digital camera that perfectly represents a variety of these moments. You can watch it here:
