By Matt Patrick, Columnist
In all the madness of transitioning into a new school year, it is easy to lose track of a few things.
It is especially easy to lose track of all the organizations and obligations that you have said “yes” to.
While OCU is nicknamed “Overcommitted University,” I find this nickname to be disturbing every time it is mentioned
and laughed about like it is accepted.
It is almost as if OCU and the campus community endorse being overcommitted.
There are a couple of reasons that doing everything and saying yes to everything are becoming common practice in our culture.
This practice of over-committing is poisonous to the body, soul and mind.
OCU students should “commit” this year to staying balanced and find meaning in the things they can handle.
One reason that this practice of being overcommitted is becoming increasingly accepted is the fact that our culture glorifies being busy all the time.
We tend to think that the busier we are, the more important we
are.
Sometimes we think that if we are not doing a thousand things, then we are not capable enough to make an impact on the world.
This is one of the many lies society tells us that can be dangerous to our physical and emotional health.
It is always better that we do a few things well, rather than many things poorly.
Another reason is that we want to let the things we do define who we are, instead of letting who we are define the things we do.
This is easy to do.
It is easy to identify who you are by the type of sport you play or the organization that you are a part of, but you are so much more than that.
You are more than what you do.
All students, especially the freshmen, are encouraged to let your character be the moral compass that guides you to the things that you do.
When you do things based on who you are, you do them well.
Freshmen, don’t let anyone tell you who you are by telling you the things you should do.
Look at what is available among all of the organizations and choose based upon what fits your character.
It is absolutely okay to try new things in college, but do not try to be something you are not.
If we can all learn to find balance and base our activities on what suits us best as individuals, we will go a long way in making OCU a better place to be.
Our bodies will be rested, our spirits will be ready, and our minds will be more prepared to make a positive difference.
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