A Little Reflection on Life

When I first sat down to write today, I honestly had no idea where to even begin. Up until now the only writing I’ve been able to do has been 20+ page research papers on anything ranging from the Affordable Care Act to Baldrige Award Winning Hospitals in the U.S. to the operational plan behind a local, non-profit organization specializing in providing breast cancer services to a small, rural area. Basically, I’ve pretty much been a prisoner to graduate school, as of late. The past few months have been some of the most mentally draining months of my life, and when I tell y’all that I nearly almost lost my sanity several times, I’m literally not exaggerating on that statement at all.

(Word to the wise: if you’re considering going to graduate school, just make sure it’s something that you really really really want to do. Also, be prepared to drink lots and lots of wine – or whiskey or tequila – whichever you prefer. I won’t judge.)

Now, I don’t regret this decision one bit. When I first decided to go back to school, it was after some crucial turning points in my life, and I honestly wasn’t 100% sure if it was the right decision. However, I trusted my gut and followed through with it because I knew that I owed it to myself to make my life better than what it had been in the past. It was something that I needed to do for me and me only. The last year and a half has been quite a journey for me, especially in regards to self-discovery, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.

(Note: It’s much easier for me to admit my gratefulness now than it was last week when I literally just wanted to pull my hair out, run away to a peaceful island somewhere, and avoid all of my responsibilities forever.)

However, today is a new day, and in exactly one week, I can proudly say that I will officially be a Master’s graduate! Phew – finally!

…P.S. That still feels very surreal to say. I honestly don’t think it’s sunk in yet…

Anyway, I’ve mentioned before how important it is to never stop learning and to continuously seek new growth and opportunities in life. That is something that I will always believe strongly in, and I feel that it is something that everyone should strive to keep in mind throughout his or her lives. Remember: it’s never too late to be what you could have been, and you’re never too old to do the things that you’ve always wanted to do. Don’t let yourself hold you back from living a life that you’re proud of. A dream will only stay a dream until you work hard to make it become a reality. There will be moments in life where defeat will sink in, discouragement may become overwhelming, and sadness will be undeniably heartbreaking, but just remember the power of your own inner strength. The power of your faith. The power of support from your loved ones. Remember the ultimate power of your belief in yourself, and you’ll be able to overcome anything.

I just wanted to remind you all of that last part. I also just wanted to say to anyone who may need to hear this right now: you are loved, you are beautiful, you are worthy, and most importantly, you are a whole lot stronger than you think you are.

“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” – Thomas Paine