I am not a big reader, yet I started this self-help book called Braving the Wilderness, which speaks about independence and accepting individual time. This book specifically speaks about living a better life with true belonging and dealing with pain. Throughout my life, I have struggled to find belonging, especially in school. I never did sports, but I participated in theater. However, while I had some sense of community in theater, I never found my true friends. As I entered college, I thought it would be a fresh beginning to a great four years. Part of this statement is true as I found my best friend, but I continue to bug myself for not having a friend group. I thought that having a friend group would make me feel more comfortable when I went to parties. I have these large expectations that blur my positive moments and make it difficult for me to enjoy life in college. Thus, living a life of happiness does not come easy.
When I started this book, the key themes that struck me were that I need to have zero expectations and be curious and neutral. While everyone wants true belonging, we need to accept ourselves before we find ourselves in friend groups. Not everyone has the same behavior or perspectives as me, and thus, I cannot hold expectations that people will react the way I want them. Additionally, I need to keep a curious and neutral mindset to meet people. Regardless of whether I become friends with them or not, I can’t let people drag me down. I thought this mindset seemed ridiculous and difficult to follow because I am an emotional person. Yet, the book recognizes that braving the wilderness is learning how to trust ourselves. This trust will allow me to grow as a person confidently! I think trusting myself and following the mindsets written in the book will allow me not to become stuck on problems that come into my life, but rather grow and expand these bumps in my journey as reflective experiences that will inform my future life. Overall, I continue to grow as an individual and learn better life management skills to embrace the wilderness.
