Be A Goldfish

Sloane Adams

As high school students, we are constantly surrounded by chaos. Continuously overwhelmed, overstimulated and overworked every time we step on campus. Piles of school work, long conservatory days and extracurricular activities flood our minds, while we attempt to maintain a social life. Seems impossible, right? Maybe it is or maybe it’s not, but regardless, we need to shift our mindset and look at life from a different perspective.

Be a goldfish. Choose to embrace the mentality of the household pet. I am referring to the fact that goldfish don’t have the most impressive recollection. As they are swimming through their watery surroundings, they forget, forget and forget. These little fish are never worried about the past or future; they remain present. Their minds stand free of all stress, anxiety and anger experienced throughout life. No weight carried on their back. No tears of exhaustion. The struggle to get up every morning doesn’t exist.

Be a goldfish. It’s definitely not simple. The complexity is unmatched as we attempt to rid ourselves of anxiousness. When a situation occurs that we are not proud or even embarrassed of, we tend to carry it as a burden. Every step we take the pressure increases, until we fully break down to pieces. Though our bones are fragile, they are not meant to break. Their strength represents our stability and balance.

Be a goldfish. Meaning we should learn from our mistakes, then let it go. Releasing our so-called flaws into the never-ending abyss leaves room for the endless possibilities coming our way. This leads to the next step, which would be fully immersing ourselves into our environment, just as goldfish do underwater. One way could simply be taking note of our senses. Every so often, it’s necessary for us to take a moment and smell the freshly cut grass, feel the ground beneath our feet, listen to our peers, and see everything all at once. Most importantly we must breathe, and fill our lungs with air.

Be a goldfish. Yes, letting go is difficult, but it allows for growth, change and reflection. We can’t take a step forward without leaving something behind. The goldfish is a valuable example of the courage it takes to stray away from what bothers us most. Our insecurities and errors should not be overlooked, but instead be utilized as an area of blossoming.

Be a goldfish. This mindset isn’t meant to stop history or erase the past. However, it does create space for the development of ideas, a fresh start, and a new chapter. Exactly as the goldfish, we must live life to the fullest with no regrets. Especially with finals around the corner, we can’t let our past grades or scores eat us alive. As high school students, we won’t allow the chaos of school to submerge us and not give us time to breathe. Because as humans, we don’t have gills.

Be a goldfish.