My Neverland

We all know the story of Peter Pan... Boy doesn't want to grow up, Boy Meets Girl, Boy tries to get Girl to replace his mother, Girl leaves and they remain friends. Now doesn't that sound familiar?

The story of the boy who never wanted to grow up is a common one among my peers. We are able to relate to it in a way that children and full-blown adults cannot, because we are still in that limbo that allows us to see what we have just left behind, and yet see the green grass on the side of adult hood. Most of the time, students will say they would rather be a kid forever to get out of difficult school work or paying bills, the usual. However, as children, all we wanted to do was to grow up. It couldn't happen fast enough. The adults tell us that we should enjoy being kids, it all disappears soon, and, unfortunately, we can't get it back.

We didn't listen.

Now, as my second year of college is coming to a close, I look back at my last two years with a mixture of pride and curiosity...and yes, a little bit of longing to do it all over again.  I am so proud of my accomplishments in my short time here in Lawrence. I know I do my best work and I hope I inspire others to do their best work. However, I look back and wonder if I had figured out what I wanted sooner, would I have been just as successful? What would my world look like today? Did I do everything I could, and I will I have time to complete the rest?

These kinds of questions just make me want to stop time so that I could have more time to figure out how to answer them. And my favorite fictional place where time stands still? Neverland.

These past few weeks have been rough on me. It's just that time of year where the demand is high and the motivation is low. At times like this, I have found it's best to just get away for a bit and clear my ever-spinning head. So, to kill two birds with one stone, I decided to take a walk Saturday night. I got to spend some personal time with my favorite campus, and I got to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather!

I walked to Potter Lake to lay out a blanket and soak up the sun and catch up on a new show: Neverland from Sy-Fy (It's on Netflix). After a while, I decided to check out a book from my library and read that in my own personal Neverland on campus. It's this beautiful courtyard in one of the buildings that is practically hidden from the outside world. I could be there for hours reading and I wouldn't see a soul... and I did just that. I curled up and read my newly checked-out library book and was happier than I had been all week. I honestly felt more in touch with my stresses and how to combat them. And I got a beautiful book out of the situation, so I really think this could become a weekend tradition.

I found this while sitting at Potter Lake.. I hope to have one just like it ♥

My Neverland, complete with fountain and flowers. (:

The most beautiful book I have read to date.. have tissues ready..

So the concept of my own personal Neverland is a fun one, because for me, that courtyard, and Potter Lake, and a few of my other hiding spots are places where I can go to suspend my problems and my stresses for a few hours and try to relax and think them through. Time will really stand still for me. And I know I won't be on KU's campus forever, and while the thought distresses me, it also forces me to get my ass in gear and spend as much time with this beauiful place as I can. And understand that I have another Neverland waiting for me out there...Because, no, most days I do not want to grow up. However...
 
"To live would be an awfully big adventure." from Peter Pan

And I am not missing out on finding my Neverland. (: