There is a bittersweetness to the statement “change is inevitable.” For years, change has been an inevitable factor in the development of my world and the dreaded certainty for a majority of my life. Since the beginning of my childhood I have experienced the unavoidable effect of growing up. One of my most memorable encounters with this “change” was when my family and I moved from the welcoming community of Saline to the unfamiliar town of Plymouth. I remember screaming and crying out of frustration at my parents. How could they take everything I know from me? The streets I spent days biking through, the backyard my siblings and I played for countless hours in, the birds I had made into my friends with the allure of food. In addition to the lack of understanding from my parents, I was appalled at the eagerness I saw in my siblings. It would be years later until I realized the real reason for my frustration and their lack thereof.
It has always come naturally to me to savor the details, the type of person who will spend hours taking in every sound, smell, and minute detail. I become attached and engrossed with the appreciation of the world around me that it becomes difficult to leave the one I have spent so much time observing. I savor all that I find a fondness for, whether it is people, things, or even memories. As a child, I had drawers brimming with old homework, toys of all shapes and colors, drawings, and any trinket that caught my eye. With this in mind, I came to the realization during the end of my 8th grade summer that I needed to move on from the things I held so close. I began decluttering and detaching myself from all the old memories and things that filled my drawers and mind. It took me three days to clear out my collections, carefully turning and admiring each trinket before throwing them away. However, it took me months to let go of old friends and memories. I would spend hours reminiscing on the life I was going to leave behind after the summer. Just as I understood that I needed to clean out my drawers to make room for new things, I realized that I needed to move on from people and past memories to open myself up to new experiences.
Although I have increasingly improved my capacity for change, I find myself grateful for the careful eye I have developed as a result of my fondness for familiarity. It is essential to acknowledge the nature of change and the value of flexibility. In order to create room for new chances and experiences, it is important to let go of the past. It serves as a reminder that, although it is normal to treasure and enjoy the known, it is also necessary to welcome change with open arms. By doing this, we can strengthen our ability to adjust to the future while developing a deeper appreciation for the present.
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