In With The Old
October 21st, 2024
Writer: Sophie Silverstein
Editor: Abbie Orlinsky
As I reflect on my journey so far, and the new school year I recently stepped into, I realize how much growth can come from embracing the familiar. I often sought excitement and growth by stepping into the unknown, believing that excitement stems from the unfamiliar. But over time, I’ve learned that real growth happens when I pause “chasing the dream” and start cherishing what’s already around me. I’ve come to appreciate something different: the value of recognizing and engaging with the everyday moments and places that surround us. Embracing what is already around me, whether it is the routines, the places, or the people, has allowed me to value the beauty in what once felt ordinary. It’s a daily reminder that the most meaningful connections and opportunities for growth don’t always come from wandering out into the new, but from learning to find peace in what we know.
Since beginning my new journey as a sophomore in college, I’ve made it my mission to explore parts of my college town that I had previously turned a blind eye to. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, discovering a hidden study spot, or finding a cozy coffee shop, I’ve been falling in love with my city all over again. These adventures, no matter how small they may seem, in a way, have become a way I celebrate my normal rather than neglecting it.
While embracing the comfort of routine is often seen as a path to stability, I’ve come to realize it’s also the perfect foundation for personal and universal growth. The lecture halls that once seemed frightening are now places I navigate effortlessly, and the streets I’ve walked countless times have begun to reveal new nuances, each experience offering something unique. In embracing my normal, I’ve found a deeper appreciation for the rhythm of everyday life and how the places we return to can hold both comfort and opportunity if we simply let them.
After beginning to embrace the balance of comfort and curiosity, I’ve come to understand the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone. Advancing into our usual spaces with a willingness to learn has led me to new people, new opportunities, and new layers of the city I call home. I’ve realized that no matter how well we think we know a place or a person, there’s always more to unpack. It’s not about seeking out the unknown at the expense of the known but rather embracing both. Each small step beyond the usual is a reminder that the world we live in, no matter how familiar, still has a vastness waiting to be explored. It’s in embracing your normal, while staying open to the unexpected, that you begin to understand that there is always more to experience wherever you are and the richness of the life you are already living.
