Lulu H.
If you’re reading this, be where your feet are.
One of my biggest challenges I face is staying present. I am constantly thinking about the future and things that I cannot control. This has especially been the case recently, as I am in the final semester of my senior year here at Clemson. I have found myself constantly thinking about the graduate school admissions decisions I am waiting on, where I will be this time next year, and how everything will work out. While this happens, I don't even realize just how fast my time here is flying by. Attending Clemson was a lifelong dream of mine; I could not wait for my four years here. Now, I am in my final months at the place I dreamed of, but instead, I am consumed by the thoughts of what is next. That is why I had to remind myself to be where my feet are.
To me, being where my feet are means being mindful of the present moment. When my mind begins spiraling about the things that aren't in my control, I remind myself where I am right now. Doing so allows me to take a moment to relax, appreciate where I am, and recognize how far out of control my worries and plans are. Right now, I can't control what will happen in the future, but I can control this present moment. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." This is another quote that I live by. Your life continues whether or not you are paying attention and living in the present. Even though you may be distracted because you are consumed with planning for the future, your life keeps happening. Do not let thinking about the future take you out of this present moment.
To help me stay more present, I put the quote "be where your feet are" on my phone's homescreen next to a countdown until graduation. The countdown to graduation reminds me that no matter how much I am in denial about leaving this place that I love so much, it will happen soon; therefore, I need to enjoy each day. Having the quote "be where your feet are" next to it reminds me to take a moment of mindfulness whenever I see it. Whether it is walking to class and appreciating our beautiful campus, being with my friends and remembering to be intentional about my time with them, or even being distracted in class but taking a moment to be grateful about where I am. Staying present has not only alleviated some of the anxiety I have about the future, but it has also encouraged me to do more of the things I love. When you are thinking about it now, you want to do all the fun things, like spending time with your friends, getting involved, and attending campus events. When you aren't in the present, you aren't as motivated to do these things because all of your energy is being spent on thinking about things that you cannot control. Being present is a much more fun way to live.
So wherever you are, take a deep breath and look around. Think about how long you hoped to be exactly where you are right now. There was a point where you could not wait to begin your journey at Clemson, and now you are here. Enjoy the small things and daily occurrences, because one day you will find yourself missing the days you spent at Clemson. This moment isn't forever, so be where your feet are.
Lulu H., Clemson University
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