Grad school is hard in the sense that I have built a life already, and I “have” to squeeze education (and an additional job, networking, PD, etc) in. Compared to undergrad, grad school – just like work – isn’t my complete life. Yet I am learning so much about the world, who I am, what feels both right and challenging, and potentials of what’s to come.
I’m especially mindful that this time at grad school is a gift, especially as the program is short. Condensed to about 2 years/program, some of these people may only physically exist in my life for a matter of months, but they still matter, and they’re going through the same things as me. I think the cohorts are small on purpose, too, to foster such unity (it’s also a fairly prestigious and expensive university, too, even with the aid I received).
Therefore, it has been a productive month for my physical, interpersonal, and emotional health. I am grateful for newfound friends in and outside of my cohort. Halloween, my least favorite holiday, was met with many opportunities, like a party with fellow members of the LIS program, as well as some annual events and the school I work for had a triumphant annual Fall Harvest Festival, too.
But I am also learning how to interact with myself. I don’t have much downtime, so I can’t imagine long-term dating someone right now. Yes, sometimes I miss the shared companionship, but in reality, I have really enjoyed my own company, have learned to laugh at myself, have built routines, and am accepting the in-betweens. Not being so stuck on all or nothing is new to be me, but giving myself grace has felt like joy. Despite its “free” status, I have not hit the gym every single day (I didn’t even make 10,000 steps yesterday because I was doing homework around the clock).
And while self-dates are postponed, self-care is in. Balance looks like not worrying if I don’t read every. single. word of all my assignments. It means asking for support (often in the form of meals, thank you roommates and cohort friends!). It means allowing trust in, such as my ability to leave the Fall Harvest Festival to go back to homework!
As a result of a focus on school and self-care, I omitted many annual goals this month:
- Start designing tiny house
- Make art for its own sake once/week
- Visit France over spring break
- Take myself on weekly dates
- Finish bookcase by reading before bed nightly (or at least read 40 books, including 36 from my shelf and 4 or more for my book club!)
- Develop daily rotating ab/arm routines
- Continue swapping to vegan, sustainable, and local wares
I am surprised to share that I worked on these annual goals this month:
- Research grad schools for my book, Omit to Commit
- Run for fun once/week, such as running without tech on my person or running as the sun rises/sets
- Support a nonprofit org once/month with time or treasure
I’ll have more to share in a few days, and will edit this post accordingly. I made a promise to post every 10 days, so here it is! Know I’m feeling grateful for friends, engaged in my life, hopeful for what’s ahead, and appreciate you taking the time to read! Hope you’re living your most authentic life.