Sometimes, making life more enjoyable doesn’t mean doing more — it means reconnecting with yourself after a difficult period.
I am a CEGEP student and the winter semester of 2025 was a challenging time for me. I felt alone and disconnected, as if I was missing out on my teenage years and not living the life I had imagined for myself. My days felt repetitive: going from home to school and back again. I watched time pass while feeling stuck and unfulfilled.
How the Sadness Started
Looking back, I think a big part of my sadness came from comparison. I spent a lot of time on social media, seeing friends and strangers posting about parties, trips, and exciting moments. While others seemed to be living fully, I felt like my life was boring.
Comparing myself to others slowly became toxic. I started romanticizing the lives I saw online while devaluing my own. I forgot that what we see online is only what people choose to show — not the full picture. Even if it were, we are not all meant to live the same life. We all find happiness in different things, and going out or partying every week is not what fulfills everyone.
A Turning Point
Once I understood that comparison was harming me, I decided to focus on myself and what truly made me feel fulfilled. I reduced my time on social media and began exploring new activities without pressure or expectations.
I set myself small challenges in baking, started sewing, went running and walking, painted, made bracelets, and even tried crocheting. Some of these activities didn’t work for me, but others brought me genuine joy. The goal wasn’t to be perfect — it was simply to try, to discover, and to reconnect with myself.
Finding Fulfillment Through Action
One of the most helpful changes I made was getting involved in a school club. Through it, I met new people and worked on meaningful projects. It didn’t feel like work — it made me feel useful, engaged, and connected. If there isn’t a club that interests you, getting involved in an association, a sports team, or finding a job with a positive environment and supportive people can make a huge difference.
I also learned the importance of balance. Having friends and a social life matters, but so does protecting your mental health, your goals, and your energy. Creating distance from things that negatively influence you — whether certain habits, environments, or even relationships — can be an important step toward feeling better.
Where I Am Now
Today, I feel at peace. I am much more mindful of how I use social media; I no longer let it influence how I see my own life. I can genuinely be happy for others without comparing myself. I have learned to appreciate the calm and balance in my own life.
I am involved in a club where I’ve met inspiring people, I alternate between running, going to the gym, and spinning, and I always have a personal project to work on. I also started an internship in biology — many opportunities exist, you just have to take the time to look for them.
When I have nothing planned, I allow myself to rest. I bake, create, or go for a walk. And most importantly, I am happy with this life.
If you’re going through a difficult period, know that things can change. Peace doesn’t appear overnight — it is built slowly, one small choice at a time. Sometimes, the most enjoyable life is the one where you finally feel like yourself again.
By Maissa Ndiaye, Y&E Ambassador 2025-26