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Yesterday marked One Direction's 10 year anniversary. 10 years. I've spent an entire decade loving One Direction. Half of my life! I can't believe it's been that long. But, at the same time, I can believe it and I wouldn't trade those years for anything. This boyband has been such a huge part of my life, so it would be weird to not write about them at some point on my blog. Bear with me, this might (read probably will) get emotional.
On July 23rd, 2010 five boys auditioned for the X Factor UK. None of them made it through to the solo rounds and instead were placed together as a band. They quickly became best friends and bonded along their journey, singing every week for votes. Although they came in third place in the competition, they won something way better– the hearts of fans across the globe. Including me, a 5th grader who had no idea these lads from "across the pond" were about to change her life. When they released their first album "Up All Night" in 2011 I remember thinking who are these cute British boys that everyone's obsessing over? I didn't understand the hype at first and refused to be a follower. But, once they started releasing more albums and going on tours I embraced it! Who could resist those crazy, adorable, charming boys?
When I turned 12, I got a phone and an Instagram account so naturally many of my first posts were about One Direction. I celebrated and loved them like they were family. I would make collages and write them letters for every anniversary and birthday, knowing they would never see or read them. So much that if not for the occasional selfie or random pic here and there, it was practically a 1D stan account ^-^. As sentimental as I am, I never have deleted nor want to delete any of my posts because they show my journey. My Instagram is like a time capsule of my life.
That kind of dedication, it blows my mind. I hope I can carry those traits into other areas of my life. Loving what I love, without a care as to what those around me think.
When I finally saw them in concert, my love grew more than I ever thought possible. September 21, 2014. Harry, Liam, Niall, Louis, and Zayn literally yards away from me (!!!) It felt like a dream.
I remember the day Zayn left so vividly. It was freshman year of high school, I heard the news and was basically numb the entire day, couldn't focus. That afternoon, the moment I got into my mom's car when she picked me up, I burst into tears. Later than year, my sister and I decided to redecorate our room. We had grown out of the childish blue/purple walls. That also meant it was time to take down my 1D posters. Here are some pictures I took (with a selfie stick lol) because I wanted to remember that moment in time.
That following year (2016), they announced their hiatus. A sad day. Yet, I held out hope (still do) for the possibility that they would reunite in the future. I'm so proud of what they have accomplished since then. 10 years later, I still love them with my whole heart. Even thought they may not be "together" anymore, doesn't mean I love them less. I am forever grateful for the happiness they brought in making me feel beautiful during those awkward teenage years. Many of the friends I've made over the years have been because of One Direction. Expressing my love for them at school led me to people I could bond with and still can rely on for a roadtrip jam session (shoutout Sevilla). Even people I've met in lines for concerts or movies are some of the sweetest and most caring individuals. This community is so loyal and will forever be connected by our love for these crazy boys.
I'm so blessed to have lived and been a fan during the prime 1D years. The excitement of album releases, watching their movies in theatre, my feed constantly full of new concert pics and music videos. We got to watch them grow up and mature alongside them. Now they're each thriving in their own ways, spreading joy and bops to all corners of the globe. It was so fun to celebrate that yesterday. Made my heart very happy. I'll be listening to One Direction until I'm old and gray. Their songs will always be like a familiar blanket keeping me warm and safe. Someday I'll hopefully share them with my kids and grandkids. The memories, the stories, the magic.
Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk. As you can tell, I miss One Direction. I miss concerts! The feeling of hearing your favorite songs live, the anticipation of the next one, dancing like no one's watching in a room of strangers!
Hope you're having an AmaZAYN, BrilLIAM, ExtraordinHarry, PhenomeNIALL, and FabuLOUIS day!