Eastern students share thoughts about National Get Over It Day

Ryan Meyer, Staff Reporter

March 9 is National Get Over It Day, a day dedicated to letting problems pass and, well, getting over it.

Nationaldaycalendar.com says that “it” can be anything from a traffic jam to an argument with a loved one. The website also says that the holiday can be observed by moving on from minor burdens and looking ahead with a positive outlook.

“Say goodbye to the worry of the ‘if onlys’ and ‘what ifs’ and look forward to days with a more positive attitude,” it reads.

The holiday appears to have been started in 2005 by Jeff Goldblatt, who was struggling to get over an ex-girlfriend. According to thewhatevernetwork.com, which is linked in the calendar post, Get Over It Day falls on the midpoint between Valentine’s Day and April Fool’s Day.

When Goldblatt realized the relatability of his idea, he wrote the “GetOverItDay.com’s Purpose and Perspective Poem,” which contained the following part:

“It’s ALL Part of Life; It Will Help You Grow Stronger, But This ‘Pity Party’ of Yours, Can’t Last Any Longer. Make TODAY the day, that you Finally Say: ‘Screw That! It’s Done! It’s GET OVER IT DAY!”

Adam Schmidt, sophomore hospitality and tourism management major, shared his thoughts on what students might be getting over and what getting over something means to him.

“Getting over it in my opinion means to find a way to move on or to at least be content with whatever is going on,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt also listed academic performance or relationships as things that are affecting students.

“For some it might be a bad grade on a test, some people might be going through a breakup and (for) others it might be the death of a loved one,” Schmidt said. “There’s a wide array of things students are going through.”

Although these are serious topics, the calendar entry also mentions that the holiday can be observed by getting over trivial matters such as “spilled milk or traffic.”

Brian Barrett, sophomore sport management major, said that the events of the past year could be something students are trying to get over.

“I think students have had a tough time getting over the fact that things are different than they were a year ago,” Barrett said. “I think sometimes, myself included, we wish we could just go back to what was “normal” instead of making the most of the life we have today.”

One of Schmidt’s ways of getting over things involves talking to others or exercising.

“I think one of the best ways in my opinion is to talk to someone about it. And if it’s something you can’t really talk about then maybe consider working out,” Schmidt said. “Those are just things I do to help me.”

Barrett also said talking to friends can help when going through a hard time.

“Talk to people, find a trusted friend and just let them hear it,” Barrett said. “Talking through things with people who care about you can help tremendously. Even if it doesn’t solve your problem, in my experience it makes me feel a lot better.”

Valen Fulton, a junior 2D studio art major, also offered advice for students who “struggle with getting over issues with relationships, that includes significant other, family and/or friendships.”

“Some advice I have is reminding yourself of how much you are truly worth and I have the logic that if you were fine before them you will be fine after them, it will just take some time to heal,” Fulton said.

Both Schmidt and Fulton don’t necessarily agree with the term “getting over it,” however, and offered their reasonings as to why.

“Bottling up emotions and things you’re going through is not very healthy,” Schmidt said. “Eventually you’re just going to snap.”

“I don’t believe in the statement ‘just get over it,’” Fulton said. “I believe everything takes time and that everyone’s feelings are valid.”

Barrett also said that the term “get over it” may be OK when talking to a group of friends, but that it may not be the most helpful expression.

“In general I think caution should be taken when saying things like that,” Barrett said. “More than likely the person is trying so simply telling them to get over it probably isn’t going to help anything.”

 

Ryan Meyer can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].