Ah..it’s that time of year again, after a long summer of perpetual sun, sand and sea, barbecues and family get togethers. Back to school!
The month before is always a mad scramble for school supplies, books, uniforms, decent haircuts, dental check ups and what not. Plus, trying to squeeze in some last minute fun. My little kindergartner is as happy as a clam to go back to school; new friends and new adventures. But some students might regard the thought of school mildly frightening. I’m the latter. I’m going back to college after a very long hiatus, with the intention of changing tracks after a successful career as a health care professional.
I am terrified.
Intimidated at the prospect of going back to school full time with kids barely out of the sandbox (Yes, I feel like a fossil), petrified that I won’t be able to handle it, possibly have my husband and son starve on a regular basis or at the very least, survive on frozen pizza and Ramen noodles. I’m constantly second guessing myself; wondering if I made the right decision or if I’m going through a a phase, an abnormal early mid life crisis (It happens). Would I be able to work part time, manage a household, spend time with my family, cook actual meals and go to school full time? Knowing me, life might throw a curveball and include a pregnancy. Wouldn’t THAT be a juggle?
I’m so inspired by two particular women in my life, who with very young children, went through grueling family situations, and still managed to study full time, hold a job, train for a half marathon and keep their sanity. I know, my mind was blown too.
So, the answer is, YES. I can do it.
We never know what we’re capable of until we’re thrown headfirst into it. It’s amazing the rush of confidence you feel after doing something you thought you could never achieve. So, yes, you can do a mud run; yes, you can lose 300 pounds; yes, you can write that novel.
It might mean an uphill battle, sacrifices to be made, but if it is that much to you, it is worth it.
Not everything has to be heroic or earth shattering like jumping on the first flight to a war zone or swimming with sharks. Anything that takes you out of your comfort box, out of the realm of the familiar and secure.
It could be taking big steps to strengthen your relationship with a significant other (we all know that’s a piece of cake); making deliberate time in the day, to bond with your child, without looking at your phone (a bonafide challenge for some). It could mean making a dramatic life change to do something you love or be someone you love; because life is short. My son asked me the other day, what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’m still chewing on that one…
One of my favorite lines from a beloved children’s book is, ” You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” I absolutely agree, Christopher Robin.
“It is never too late to be what you might’ve been”.
George Elliot
Deepa: yes you can do this! I got divorced and started my Ph. D. Program in the same fall semester while he disappeared and I raised two very small girls. With the help of my dear mother, I survived and made it. You can do it!!!!!
Amy: It’s women like you, who make me believe that we are indeed stronger and more resilient than we think we are. You rock!