Taylor Swift released her fourth studio album, “Red,” last week.
I remember merely knowing her as the young, curly-haired girl with icy blue eyes upon her debut six years ago.
Most critics are saying she has finally swayed away from being that young teenage girl.
As a 22-year-old, she matured out of her adolescence and into adulthood.
Sometimes all it takes to see significant change is a little bit of time.
The passing of time is something I am learning to come to terms with. It’s hard to believe that moments of what seemed like yesterday actually happened years ago.
Time evolves and so do we. Our ideas and ways of life all change.
We reminisce on our childhoods as something from not too long ago. We can vividly recount our favorite television shows, movies, songs, clothes, gadgets and toys of the past.
At the time, it felt like we’d never get out of our youth. Years later, we call those some of the best days and vividly make nostalgic reference to them.
In a strange way, life comes full circle, and roles reverse. In the future — or even now — we find ourselves taking care of a parent or grandparent who once helped take care of us.
We frantically remind ourselves that time is passing by too quickly or dragging on too slowly. We question time and what it does to us. The people and places around us change, often for what seems like the worse.
Time is a stress that has more power over us than we notice. It’s an infinite journey that manages to control many of the decisions we make, as well as the actions we take.
Those seconds, minutes and hours often limit us. They convince us we’re not capable of accomplishing what we desire to. They turn into days, weeks, months, years and then fade into memories.
It feels like time is extremely limiting and limited.
Time isn’t necessarily bad, however.
It allows moments to pass so we can see the changes we hope for. We notice advances in ourselves and our society. Goals that seemed impossible to reach are attained, and dreams that once felt far-fetched come true. We do things we never could have seen ourselves doing; we see and experience things we never could have imagined.
The best thing about time is that you can rely on it and the change it will bring. There is always room for improvement or an opportunity to fulfill a goal, dream or wish you’ve always had.
Life is full of so many unexpected qualities. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, believe that it will manage to take you by surprise. We will change. So will our circumstances, priorities and preferences.
Take advantage of your time. Dedicate it not only to yourself, but to others as well. Reflect on the past. Live in the present. Always remember to look toward the future ahead of you.
Time doesn’t stop here — it never does. You may or may not believe in a life after the one you have now, but I encourage you to think about it.
Was your time here well-spent? Did you do something that mattered? Did your life mean something?
If you can’t say yes just now, be encouraged in knowing that you still have time to do something about it.
Anayo Ordu is an advertising sophomore at UF. Her column appears on Tuesdays. You can contact her via opinions@alligator.org.
