My last semester of University is on the horizon.
I see fear, uncertainty, and anxiety clouding all the possibility ahead of me. Simply thinking about housing, employment, traveling, and the whole “figuring out what I want to do with my life” thing causes my heart to beat a bit more thunderously. Behind me is another story. When I focus briefly on what I’ve experienced for a moment-instead of staring down the future- I see wondrous things. I see a girl who trusted the Lord to heal her of her anxiety enough to stop the medication. I see a girl who leapt into a new major, one extremely out of her comfort zone. I see spontaneity, transformation, and the sheer favor of the Lord. In my second to last semester of college I have learned so much about myself and the people around me. I am incredibly thankful for every moment I’ve had, and below I’ll share some of the most important things I’ve learned recently.
Priorities Can Change.
This very well may be something you know instinctively. For me, it is not. Something I’ve had to comes to terms with this season of my life is that what I think is important can shift. That is actually something completely allowed and makes complete sense. Life is dynamic, and so are your priorities. What felt essential last year—or even last week—may not hold the same weight today, and that’s okay. As I grow into the person I’ve always wanted to become, my priorities inevitable must change as well. Part of SERENE STRENGTH is about being adaptable. Shifting focus isn’t the detriment of who you were in your past, but the threshold you must pass through to change your life. One of my current favorite quotes is one that I think about often:
Your New Life Will Cost You Your Old One
In order to be better you can’t do what you’ve always done. And you can’t care about the same things you cared about before. Managing anxiety often requires reassessing what truly matters and giving yourself permission to adapt. Whether it’s trading intense gym sessions for mindful movement or redefining career goals; flexibility is strength. When you embrace evolving priorities, you create space for balance and peace.
People > Everything.
At SERENE STRENGTH, we believe the heart of life lies in its connections. Pursuing goals and managing anxiety becomes infinitely easier when you have a support system that uplifts you. It’s easy to get caught up in tasks, but at the end of the day, the people who love and support you matter most. Whether it’s leaning on a friend when you’re struggling to step into the gym or prioritizing family time over perfect productivity, people always come first. Investing in relationships is not just fulfilling—it’s healing. Oftentimes when I am feeling stressed and burnt out about my homework all it takes is for me to go downstairs and see my roommates. Surrounding yourself with amazing people puts everything into perspective.
Last week I had a particularly difficult homework assignment I knew I would not get a good grade on ( learning to code in two different languages for two different classes in one semester is not something I would recommend). I convinced myself I was going to need to drop my second major and that I would have to recall all of my internship applications that listed the major on my resume. I submitted the assignment, wiped my tears, and signed up to meet with my academic advisor the next day accepting my fate. As I was preparing my nighttime routine in solitude I received a call from a friend inviting me out. I pushed myself to go grab dinner with them and immediately my mood shifted. Instead of allowing myself to sit in stupor and obsess over my “failure” (learn here why we gotta train till failure for actual life), I forced myself to hang out with people. Knowing that despite my slip ups I have people who love me and want to see me succeed is the ultimate method of centering myself to what is really important. My friends and family have to be greater than everything else.
Struggling With Something Doesn’t Make You Weak.
Everyone struggles, but those challenges are not a reflection of your worth or strength. An aspect of developing SERENE STRENGTH in your own life is to understand that facing anxiety—whether in life or at the gym—is an opportunity to grow, not a sign of weakness. It’s courageous to show up, even when it’s hard. Each small step forward, even if it feels imperfect, is a testament to your resilience. You’re not broken for struggling; you’re brave for continuing. For the first time in my academic career I am pursuing a field that is not up my natural alley. My natural skill sets are not in database design or in programming, but I know I can do it. I trust my future self to get the job done even when it feels impossible. When I struggle through an assignment barely making it through by the skin of my teeth, I am frustrated for a moment but then realize that I am strong for even making myself do this. My mentality has shifted from “Only do what you know” to“I can do hard things, and I am not waiting any longer to get started.”
You’re Allowed to Change Your Mind
Deciding to pivot isn’t failure; it’s wisdom. SERENE STRENGTH reminds us that anxiety often ties us to the fear of “getting it wrong,” but there’s immense freedom in embracing change. It’s okay to leave behind goals or paths that no longer serve you, even if they once felt right. Maybe today, showing up looks different than it did yesterday—and that’s not quitting; it’s evolving. Give yourself permission to change your mind and prioritize what brings you serenity. Reminding yourself that you’re allowed to change your opinions on politics, people, personal goals, aspirations, and whatever else you have previously believed is such a sign of strength. A true sign of maturity is learning new information and being able to detach from your previously held beliefs in order to better serve your needs.
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