It seems that, as the semester comes to a close, we fall more and more into the bad habit that is unproductivity.
Personally, I haven’t had a job for a little while, which means bills are piling up, groceries are starting to run low, and my gas tank is on a steady decline to empty. Studying is also at a standstill. I’ve been feeling down and letting those emotions affect my actions. Let me break it down for you: There’s a pit, and I’m in it. Are you with me? If so, that’s okay.
It’s okay that we’re having trouble sleeping and waking up. It’s okay that we’re a few minutes late to appointments. It’s okay that we’re questioning our own sanity at times.
Here’s the thing: I’ve been doing all of these things, but that doesn’t mean I have to stay in this place. It’s time to jump back up on the skateboard and start riding, to pick up the guitar and start playing again, to open my mouth and let the words come out again, because I am not defined by what I do. I am defined by who I am.
Repeat that phrase. What is amazing is how often that phrase has been flurrying around me lately. It’s come up in conversations (i.e., pep talks) with family and friends, in other blogs I’ve read, and even in church sermons. Do you know what that is? It’s encouragement, it’s solace, that there are people with struggles. And if there is more than just one person struggling, it also means there is support out there. We are not alone.
If you find that you’re struggling in this way, I want you to join me in taking a stand against ourselves. We are going to stand up to our own pity party.
Go look in the mirror. Say to yourself, “I am in a pit, but that ends today. I have made mistakes, but that is no more. I am not alone in my struggles; there are other people out there who hurt like me. Today, I’m going to stand and be an inspiration for them. I’m going to be my own inspiration.”
When you wake up tomorrow, go get a shower and put on an outfit that makes you feel confident. Wear your true beauty like a glove on your hand, keeping you warm in the cold. Eat something and drink your favorite coffee, and start your day out right. Follow these next steps.
- Get to class on time. Sit in a place where you can be attentive and active during your final group meetings. Ask your questions and get some answers, because in the words of Dr. Meadows, “Inquiring minds would like to know!”
- Start your final projects. The best way to get out of your pit is to face those things that are keeping you there. If it’s that project you’re afraid of, look over what you have to do, ask questions where you need clarity, and get started.
- Find someone to lean on. Pray for strength. Talk to your friends, share what’s been on your heart, and let them encourage you throughout your struggles. Talk to a beloved family member. These people we have relationships with love us so much that they are willing to do anything to help us remember the person who we are when we have times of forgetfulness.
Hold on, beautiful one. A brighter day is coming, and you have the power to make it toady. Wake up and face the sun, because the darkest night doesn’t stand a chance where the sun is shining oh so bright.
Shine on and stay strong.