By Kimmi Sterner
Let’s be real for a second—life can be less than glamorous sometimes. However, many of us might feel that regardless of what’s going on in our lives, we must hide our stress, hide our worry about possibly not being able to complete all of our assignments, and possibly even hide concern about our decreasing motivation. This is probably because we‘ve all been told that we are role models and that our energy is what motivates others to be positive as well. We become hesitant to tell others if we’re feeling anything less than perfectly happy.
It’s safe to say that feeling like we have a purpose in life is what keeps us all so gung-ho and energetic in our day-to-day lives.
But what happens when our day-to-day lives start to wear on us?
It can feel like we’ve lost our purpose.
Well, where could that purpose have possibly gone?
Maybe we’ve just misplaced it and forgotten where we left it last.
So how do we find it again?
In anything and everything we do, we must always ask ourselves “Why?”
“Why am I waking up at 5:00am to work out?” “Why am I staying at work until after close when I’m only required to work a few hours?” Or even “Why do I put off finishing my schoolwork when I know my education is the main reason I am where I am?”
As the answers to those questions become more difficult to discover, our lives become more complex. And oftentimes, we’re not always able to answer those questions for ourselves. Sometimes it takes another person or a significant event to uncover the reality of our situation, to uncover the reason why we continue to maintain a certain status.
It’s time to take a moment and admit our struggles to someone who will understand. I encourage you to reach out to your mentor or catch up with one of your friends from another institution. I can almost guarantee that they’re feeling the same way, and talking to them might make you feel better about your own internal struggles.
Also, think back to a time when you did something nice for someone else or expressed your gratitude toward the people around you. It’s been proven that providing happiness for someone else will improve your mood as well. Encourage someone to apply for a scholarship by explaining to them how you feel they deserve it. Say thank you to someone by nominating them for an award or simply sending them a random message of thanks. If your regional conference is coming up, make it a point to reach out to someone you’ve never met and genuinely make an effort to find out how they’re feeling and getting on.
It’s time for us to reconnect with our peers, mentors, and motivators. We need to rely on each other to answer the tough questions. Personally, I know that it’s the members of this association who get me through the rough days and the times of struggle. It has been said that “If you stop struggling, then you stop living.” That might seem pretty dramatic, but when you break it down it means that our struggles help create road maps to new destinations where self-success and an increased drive to improve are realities.
It’s November, we’re tired, winter break is within arm’s reach, and life may have gotten the best of us for now. But we have to remember that we also have the best of life. Our profession is filled with vitality and good vibes that are available to us every day. Feed off of the positivity around you. Don’t feel guilty for complaining about the long hours, the piles and piles of papers to write, or the lack of sleep. Just be sure that you’re also doing something to solve the problems you feel compelled to complain about—even if that “doing something” is simply asking for some help. No one person has all the answers, but together as an association we have it all because we have each other.
Keep it up guys. Know that you’re worth more than you’ll ever give yourself credit for and, if anything, know that you make me feel like I have a purpose. For that, I am forever grateful.
