As we’re entering this lull between October break and Thanksgiving, it feels like the days are getting seemingly longer. Midterms are looming, assignments are piling up, and emotions are very much heightened. Sometimes, it’s the big stressors that hang above our head and nearly drive us to our tipping point. But most of the time, it’s the regular days where the small things just pile up on each other and eat away at our sanity. It’s these days that really pack the biggest punch – where nothing catastrophic happens, yet every moment seems to spread your patience thin. I’ve begun to realize that more often than not, I find myself brushing these days away and convincing myself to simply make it to the weekend…make it to the next break…make it to the end of the semester.
It wasn’t until recently when I got some advice from my older sister that has stuck in my mind ever since. As much as these hard days are stressful and painful and uncomfortable, don’t wish them away! I’ve come to realize the importance of embracing your worst days just as much as your best. Now, this is not to minimize the struggles that you’re facing. It doesn’t mean that you’re not allowed to have tough days. Rather, it’s about finding a happy medium to appreciate your highest and your lowest points. Roll with the punches, and trust that they’ll allow you to grow.
Lately, I’ve struggled to be engaged in the present moment. I often find myself grouping the days into weeks and the weeks into months, perhaps in an attempt to make the tough days go by faster. But now, with week ten approaching, I think about how precious this time really is. These days, even if they are hard and messy, are arguably some of the best days of our lifetime. Lean into the hard times and appreciate your surroundings, because the time will start to fly before you know it. Try to recognize your breaking points instead of wishing them away. As painful as it may seem, focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on the past, or wishing for the future. This is definitely taking some time for me to grasp an understanding of. But with time, perhaps the rough days might not seem so rough after all.
As I start to practice this new concept of paying extra attention to my tough days, I’ve come to realize something that I thought was worth sharing. Putting your own struggles into perspective with another person’s struggles can be a very humbling experience. You’ll likely come to realize that you might not have it quite as bad as you think you do, and your darkest days might seem a little brighter. Again, this is not to minimize your tough days or your daily struggles. Everyone’s lives are messy and having really rough days is perfectly normal! Appreciate them and learn from them. If anything, it’ll make the good days seem extra good!
I consider myself extremely lucky to be surrounded by so many people who care about me, and to have a family who will love and support me always. I am truly fortunate and grateful to be in the environment that I am in and to have the opportunities that I do. This being said, it is perfectly fine to sympathize with your own personal struggles while also recognizing the struggles of the people around you. Embrace your hard days, appreciate the current moment, and roll with the punches.