The Art of Flourishing

They say life is a series of moments that shape who we are and mold our destiny. Some moments fade, away into the depths of our memory, while others persist over time. As I look back upon the events of the past year, one particular moment stands out as it carries a symphony of feelings.

I can remember the first day I came to this university, It was a whirlwind of emotions, and I still can remember the excitement that was on the faces of my colleagues. All of them were talking, laughing and eagerly waiting to explore and discover what this new chapter has to offer. Yet, there I am standing in the crowd, feeling lost not knowing what to do or what to feel. You may wonder why I felt like that.

So right after I did my A/Ls, I applied to a few private universities thinking that I might not get selected to a government university or to study the field I desired. So I started my higher studies at a private university with so much excitement. I met new faces and made new connections with the hope of forming lasting friendships for life. A few months passed, that place became a part of my life. When I was with my friends there, I felt like I was home. That place became a comforting factor in my life. So much laughter. So many core memories. So much joy. Everything felt just right.

Time went by, the government published the cut-offs then I received my acceptance letter. It said that I’d been selected for the field I wanted. Even though that moment was supposed to be a joyful moment, my heart started pounding fast as I realized that I soon had to leave there. I paused for a moment not knowing what to do. I called my mom and told her that I got selected for the University of Moratuwa, from the tone of her voice I could guess that she was so thrilled. Even that night, all they talked about was how happy it made them feel.

I, on the other hand, received warm wishes from many people yet felt nothing. I recently went to my previous university for one last time to tell my friends that I would be leaving there soon. It wasn’t that easy for me as I realized things would no longer be the same. I had to leave the place that comforted me the most. When I told them that I was leaving, they wrapped their arms around me and hugged me tight. I hugged them back realizing that I won’t be able to feel their warmth again. This moment gave me a sense of emotional safety allowing me to let my guard down. Tears fell unexpectedly. Silence  comforted us while my mind wondered, “Am I making the right choice by leaving here?”

The Inauguration ceremony started, and some came up to the stage and started talking. I didn’t hear anything. I guess I was still caught up in the moment. The ceremony ended, and they informed us about the orientation program. I can remember that day, coming back home, and when my parents asked me how the first day went, I responded to them with “It was alright” because I didn’t want to make them feel sorry for me. I came the next day for the orientation program but what I did was sit in Sentra, looking at the busy lives of people.

Little by little, days passed, months passed, semesters passed. Now here I am filling my life with the things I love again. Feeling excited about the things I am doing again. I’m feeling like myself again. And I can’t imagine certain things I have been able to conquer to this day.

So finally what I have to say is that, transition is hard. As we navigate through the challenges, somehow we unearth hidden strengths and resilience we never knew we possessed. Every obstacle becomes a stepping stone, propelling us forward on our journey of growth. We learn to embrace uncertainty, understanding that it is a process of shedding layers, letting go of who we were to make space for who we can become.