It’s OK to let go. That’s the conversation I recently had with myself as I came to terms that an era of my life was officially ending.
Due to events that were occurring elsewhere, but events I was nonetheless very aware of, I came to the realization that a certain friend group I had associated with for years was crumbling.
At first, I was devastated. While I have a wonderful life here at Gannon and am happily living this new chapter of my life, I also from time to time like to reminisce about the “good ol’ days,” if you can call it that; the days of late-night bonfires, bowling on Saturday nights, and summer camping trips to a cabin in the woods.
I mean, who wouldn’t? Who wouldn’t want to reminisce about a time when things were more innocent, and a time when you were growing up and finding who you were with kids who were going through the same struggles, doubt and worries you were?
Knowing full well that this unfolding event was the final nail in the coffin for us being as close as we had been, it was a bit of a gut punch acknowledging it; I knew going home for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, I probably would not see them as often or maybe at all. I knew going home for those holidays, we weren’t going to hang out in the ways we previously had, and that even if we did, it wouldn’t “feel” the same as in the past.
But then I got to thinking: it’s OK to let go of the past. It’s hard, there’s no question about that. Coming to terms with yourself that something is over and that that window has officially closed hurts.
But on the flip side you also have to take a step back and say, “I’m all set.” By that, I mean I looked at what I have in this moment: my college family. These are the people who are with me now and are my support system now.
Applying that thinking in a macro sense, we’ve all been afforded a great gift by being in the position we’re in now: to be at this school and be involved in the clubs and organizations we’re in. The people you’ve become close with are the ones that you’ll most likely stay in contact with long after you’ve departed this era of your life, and long after you passed through many new chapters and met many new friends.
At least for me, the past was great, and I have memories I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. However, it’s also great to know I can comfortably let go of that time and fully relish in the moment and the amazing life I’m leading now with the incredible people I’ve surrounded myself with.
If you’re going through a similar situation, I highly encourage you to look at it through this perspective lens.

MICHAEL GUIDO

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