While the act of persevering may seem simple enough on its own, many people may find it easier to define perseverance than actually putting it into practice.

Being able to find a place where you truly belong can be one of the most healing experiences in life. Everyone wants to feel accepted, understood, and connected to something bigger than themselves. Whether it is through friendships, family, a community, or a supportive environment, having a place where we feel welcomed can help us grow and feel more confident in who we are. A lot of the time we underestimate how important our connections with others and ourselves truly are.

As the World Cup comes to a close, it’s worth reflecting on what these past five weeks of intense, communal, worldwide game watching have revealed and taught us. While the tournament ultimately crowns one champion, it also brings together millions of people through a shared passion that transcends languages and cultures. With 48 countries competing for the trophy, the World Cup becomes a celebration of identity and human connection.

Belonging is a deeply rooted, powerful, and authentic human experience. It allows us to feel truly valued and accepted by our peers and loved ones, in a way that feels like we’re “coming home.” For many people, the idea of what belonging means has always been tied to similarity. That means being around a community of people from the same background, culture, or certain beliefs.

Belonging can take on multiple interpretations, but is most recognized as the human need to be valued. This sense of value can derive from a variety of sources, including individuals, groups, communities, and more. While one can receive satisfaction from any form of belonging, one cannot earn the fullest extent of belonging without realizing it.

Motivation is what helps us get through our daily lives, whether that’s getting out of bed, doing homework after school or work, or staying consistent with exercise. However, motivation takes more than just completing a task—it requires mental strength to build and maintain. The good news is that it’s okay to start small. By building positive habits and recognizing what motivates us, we can gradually strengthen our motivation and become more consistent in our everyday lives.

Motivation is often portrayed as something entirely up to the individual, made up of their own discipline, routine, and personal drive. As integral as these are, there is an equally important factor that is often overlooked: connection.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is imagine that “crazy” version of life. The one that feels just out of reach, the one we quietly push away because it seems too good, too different, or too uncertain ever to be ours. It’s the life where you are fully aligned, deeply fulfilled, and no longer negotiating with your own happiness. And yet, despite how distant it may feel, that vision often holds who you are meant to become.

Nostalgia can be described as a sentimental yearning for the past. Many positive things can come from nostalgia, such as boosting our mood and finding motivation. When you find yourself thinking about the past, reflect on the ways you can use these memories as a tool to improve your current self.

Independence is often described as the ability to do everything on your own. For me, independence has never been that simple. It has been something I’ve had to redefine over and over again—learning to hold onto my autonomy while also relying on others for the things I cannot do alone.

While independence may be your default, dependence is vital, and as much as it is important to rely on others, you must reciprocate as well. If someone in your community is in need, you help in any way you can. Remember what they have done for you, and try your best to return the favor.

A healthy amount of independence involves feeling comfortable on your own and being able to support yourself. What people often omit from this advice is that you can go too far in that direction and end up dealing with hyper-independence. But being independent doesn’t mean that you completely cut off any outside support; everyone needs help and companionship from time to time.

You are allowed to be okay with things the way they are. Those changes only happen when you want them. Other people can’t make you want it. Someday, maybe you’ll change your mind. Maybe you won’t. It’s okay.

Improving something doesn’t mean it didn’t contain good attributes prior, it just means it’s worth putting more time and effort into. The most important thing you can focus on while writing is just that—writing.

I want to be the best version of myself, so that when I'm ready, I'm the best version for them.