At one point or another, you have probably had to say goodbye to someone special in your life. I have said goodbye to my family as I moved to another state for college. I said goodbye to my Grandpa before he passed away from cancer. Yesterday, I said goodbye to incredible friends I’ve met in Arizona. While all ”goodbye situations” are different, they all have one thing in common: they are emotional and not always easy! As I moved to California, I said goodbye (well, more like see you later!) to many incredible friends that I have gained over the past four years. This past Sunday, my 5 best girlfriends and I all got together to reminisce. We discussed our favorite memories and favorite experiences together, while crying, laughing, and eating chocolate cake. This post is entirely dedicated to them, and everyone that I have had to say goodbye to in Arizona.

Saying goodbye isn’t always an easy thing to do. Sometimes goodbyes can be hard and filled with tears, while sometimes goodbyes can be easy-breasy and full of smiles. Whether you are saying goodbye to someone who is passing away, saying goodbye to co-workers because of a new job, saying goodbye to your college friends, or saying goodbye to your family as you embark on a new adventure in life, goodbyes can many times be emotional and somewhat depressing. You may not be able to control the “goodbye situation” you are facing, but you can control how you handle the goodbye. Here are a few tips I have to make the goodbye as positive as possibe:

1. Spend time with them! If you know that a “goodbye” is approaching, cherish the time that you have with them. Put them near the top of your priority list and spend as much time with them as possible. Make memories, and make the most out of your time together. By being aware of the short time you have left with them, you won’t later regret not spending enough time with them while you still had the chance.
2. Smile and appreciate. You know that quote, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”? Well, instead of being afraid of what’s to come after you seperate from someone special, look back on all of the good times you have had with them and focus solely on those events. Think about how much different your life would be without them. Appreciate that you were blessed by their presence and that they were in your life at all!
3. Look forward. Know that when you say goodbye to someone, you’re also saying hello to new people and new experiences. Although you may be thinking, I don’t want to meet new people! Know that goodbyes are sometimes inevitable, so stay positive and know that you will meet new friends, new lovers, or new anyone!
4. Keep in contact. This is not always easy, or even possible in certain situations, but if you can, stay in contact with them. Whether it’s talking on the phone once a month, skyping every now and then, or even being pen-pals, it doesn’t matter! Making an effort to stay in contact is a two-way street, so make sure you put in the amount of effort you expect in return.

Saying goodbye is not always easy, but understand that sometimes it’s inevitable. Also, know that most goodbyes aren’t goodbye forever, they are simply see you laters! When you are faced with saying goodbye to someone you love, whether it’s for a short or long time, stay strong and stay positive. Be thankful for all of the experiences you two shared and be excited for the new adventures life will take you on.

As I left Arizona, I said goodbye to many people that I love and have impacted my life. I wouldn’t be the same person today without knowing so many incredible people in AZ. Although I am saying goodbye, I am also saying hello to new experiences, new adventures, and new relationships! Here I come, world!!!

Happy saying goodbye to Arizona,

Jordan Brown