SophieJ Life Experiences

I have received my final results and have passed the Spring Semester 2023! Boy, have I suffered! To everyone telling me to enjoy the process… NO! I have to go through it because I am convinced it is for the best. Still, am I enjoying my sleepless nights, missing shows and fun events, hanging by a thread because I am so tired, and living off caffeine? It is not enjoyable.

This semester tried me all the way because I started practicum while working full-time and taking classes full-time. So, I recognized that my cup was full, and it was a struggle to juggle all of it. Am I happy with the outcome of my decision to refrain from certain activities that used to bring me so much joy, relief, or even money? I even had to cut my work hours further to do a free internship because it is a requirement of the program, and I need to complete this master’s! In the middle of this all-time high inflation! So, no, I am not happy about it. Still, I know it is part of the process, so while there is no enjoyment at the moment, delayed gratification will show up sooner rather than later!

Enough about me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How are you doing? Are your jaws clenched at the moment? Are your shoulders tense? When was the last time you stopped and breathed? If you answered, “I don’t know,” same, friend, same! But am I trying? Yes. Every day, I wake up and try again because it is not a race but a marathon; we’re playing the long game over here!

What are you doing to take care of yourself? Have you finally realized there is nothing to give if you’re empty? Most of my friends are now moms who work, and some are also pursuing higher education. While I commend them for taking on so many projects, I just cannot fathom how they even do it!

One thing I have learned throughout this semester is that your girl is not a superwoman! She cannot do it all. I am a fragile little thing who might be resilient but will also crumble and become overstimulated when so many things are thrown at me. Or I cannot give my best self because I am too tired to care enough. So, the word I am looking for is burnout, plain and simple!

I prefer to do less and do it well than to do more and do half of my job because I am juggling too many things at once. We might like to think that we are indispensable, irreplaceable in life, but that is a lie. We might be more efficient at some activities than others, but they can still be done without our supervision.

So, do not feel bad about saying no when your plate is full or when you simply may not want to be part of something. I actually enjoy saying no. Do not feel guilty about it.

PS: I’ve got nine more credits, two major exams, and adios to the Master’s Program! Good for me, as the director of the internship likes to say… HAHA!