Within us Chimborazo Fellows, there is something we do: we write each other letters for what we call our “rainy days”–days where hard memories suddenly and unknowingly convene and we feel our lowest of lows. Though these tough times are hard to overcome, they are the moments I will always remember–the times I dig deep within myself to learn from what happens. It is one of my resolutions this year to remain resilient in the face of challenges–to set myself free from the weight I carry from hard times. The truth is, I don’t get enough of these rainy day letters, and wish I could always have their inspiration to back my life. Over the past few days, I have written myself a rainy day letter that I can use anytime in life when I am having a hard moment, and I hope others find light in it as well.
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“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than You.” — Dr. Seuss
We all have a choice. We can live a lie or be ourselves. We can climb the highest mountain ahead of us, conquer our fears, catch our dreams, or follow in the shoes of someone else. Who do you want to be and how do you want to live? What do you want your life to matter for? Search inside yourself. Only you can follow your heart to reach your destiny.
There is never a definite answer to life. We don’t live in a world that is black and white, rather our world is permeated by vivid color, waiting for us to open our eyes and see what’s there. You don’t need to live life to belong to someone else. You don’t have to make that choice. You don’t have to study that subject. You don’t have to live in that town. You don’t have to have that job. You don’t have to listen to what others say about you. The struggle only exists in your head, and you only ought to eliminate those thoughts that are holding you back. No one is forcing you to do anything. You aren’t being threatened to think a certain way. Sometimes, we need to put all of those premonitions behind us and follow our calling. Dream the impossible. Seek the unknown. Use your relentless drive. Feed your interests. Discover your inner passion. And allow yourself room to grow.
But understand that you will not always be taking a direct path to your dreams–in fact, you may be up for a rocky road ahead of you. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be given to you like a gift. Your choice is not always going to be the “popular” choice. No one said there wasn’t going to be conflict. No one said there wasn’t going to be failure. No one said there weren’t going to be moments of deep confusion–thoughts along the lines of, “Gosh, am I doing the right thing?” Don’t expect yourself to accomplish anything too quickly. And don’t expect yourself to be perfect. You’re only human.
You only need to overcome your obstacles. You only need to use your strengths. You only need to follow your heart. You need to know that you will always have to overcome highs and lows. It will always be an inevitable part of living. You need to know that you are the architect of your own life. You need to know that nothing is holding you back. You need to know that you have nothing to lose. You need to know that you are your own creator, and all you need to do is step back, and say, “I Will.”
