By Kenzie Draper
Yesterday, I got an email from the Harry Styles fan email I had signed up for months ago. The content of the email was celebrating the one year anniversary of Lights Up, a single released from his 2nd album. If you don't know the song, go listen and come back.
The fact that it’s been a whole year since that song came out blew my mind. I remember being wrapped up in my covers, watching the YouTube clock count down to the release of the song and music video, my roommate in her bed doing the same thing. I watched the video at least six more times before being able to calm myself down, and even after that I was on Twitter celebrating the release. The song became part of my daily routine. Now I listen to it probably once a month.
The fact that a whole year has passed is insane. And obviously, quarantine and the pandemic help to skew my perception of time, and big changes are obvious, such as where I’m living, what classes I’m taking, the fact that I’m stuck at my desk for classes, but little ones like these surprise me year after year. I realize I’m not wearing the same clothes anymore, or that my art style has changed (I paint now!), my hair routine is different (the Aussie deep conditioner has changed my life), and even the way I use my apps have changed (bye bye Snapchat streaks….). I know that people are changing all the time, but to realize the ways in which it happens is always a surprise.
I’m conflicted about whether or not it’s a good thing to be aware of how you’re changing– my conclusion right now is this: let yourself live and grow and become a different person. Don't overthink things. But periodically take some time and think about how you’ve changed, in what ways, and if it’s made you a better, kinder person. It’s important to be self-aware of how you’re impacting others, yet also if you’re happy with the person you’ve become. As we celebrate a year of changes and Lights Up, we can reflect on what Harry sings: “do you know who you are?”
Comments