Thursday, April 23, 2015

Knowing What's Best For You


Last week, I made a huge decision that if you asked me about four weeks ago, I would have never thought I would be making. After tons (and I mean tons) of thought, I ended up quitting my high school lacrosse team to focus on school. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to decide, and I had been going back and forth weighing the pros and cons for days.

As lame and boring as it may sound, it really came down to the fact that it's my junior year and that my grades ultimately come first. It may not be the most exciting thing I've ever done, but quitting has allowed me to really take the extra time to study extra hard to earn the A or A+, whereas before I would have settled for a B+ or A- because I would be short on time at night. I was always crabby, stressed and in a generally bad mood because balancing everything was just too much for me. Would I rather be spending time with one of my favorite group of girls and getting in tons of exercise? For sure. But in the end, though, I really had to think about my goals and what is best for me and my future.

Although I am already missing the amazing moments spent with my team, I know that in the end I made the right decision for me. I have more time to thoroughly complete homework, prepare in advance for tests, study for the ACT, get enough sleep and go workout on my own at the gym. Not to mention, I am even able to carve out more time for citrus & style, something I am oh-so happy about :)

If I could tell you one thing I've learned at this point in my high school career, it's this: know what is best for you. It may seem really scary to make a decision that forces you to evaluate what is most important for you, but I can promise that it will all work out in the end. Decide what your priorities are and what you need to do to be able to focus on those the most. You might have to let something go, like a sport or club you love, but if it's what you need to do, do it and don't look back.

I'm curious: have any of you been in similar situations?
Share yours below because I bet we can all learn from your experiences!
xoxo

5 comments :

  1. So proud of you for making this decision! I did the same thing last year. I have been playing soccer since I was three years old and obviously continued through high school. However, once I got to my junior year, I realized how time consuming soccer was and how difficult it was to balance school, work, and a social life. So I decided not to return for my senior year. I can honestly say that I have not regretted my decision. My grades are better, I can hang out with my friends, I can work more, and I can blog more. It was pretty hard to see all of the pictures on Instagram of my teammates having fun, but I knew it was worth it in the end. Go with what you feel is right!

    XO
    Ashley
    privateschoolprepster.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Reading this just made me think of these things are the mark of growing up. I always think how awesome it is to have to choose between things that I genuinely love, and I had to quit piano at the beginning of high school because it was just too stressful all the time. I absolutely love these reflective posts, and that's awesome for you to focus more on school!

    Stephanie
    petitepastels.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was in the exact same position this year too! Junior year had really been taking a toll on me and after Indoor Track ended, I made the decision to not join Outdoor Track this year, and although I really miss it, I know I did what was best for me in order to study and do well. Hopefully it pays off for the both of us!

    Alexa
    northeastpreppy.blogspot.com

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  4. So proud of you! You just have to remember that high school isn't forever, but those grades that you're getting now really do effect your future! Don't forget about your friends though, it's important to not let your social life completely go :)

    xoxo, SS

    The Southern Stylista

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great advice Caroline! I'm a year younger than you (currently a sophomore) but it is definitely hard to balance it all!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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