Today has been a tough day.
I know I should be excited about Friday (and believe me, I am), but there’s something about today that has been challenging.
We are hard on ourselves. We constantly try to figure out who we are, what we are meant to be doing, and why we should be doing it.
We overthink. We stress about situations we cannot control, we stress over the things we can control. We want to be a “fixer,” one who can change a situation and make things better (people please) when times get tough.
I see about 30-40 students a week (three days a week). I teach four classes at a community college. Between those four classes, I see a variety of students. First-generation college students, student-veterans, adult learners, and the kids right out of high school, heck, I even see kids in a high school class (at a high school two days a week). I see their struggles and know their struggles because, I too, have struggled.
It is tough being a college student.
It is tough being a parent.
It is tough being a good partner (husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, significant other, friend).
It is tough to be the person who says, “no” when you are asked to take on a new task or role.
Life is tough.
And, the thing I am learning this semester, from my students is that they are tough.
They are doing their best with the resources and the situations they are faced with. Some struggle with balancing life, work, and a school schedule. Some struggle with the school schedule. Some just struggle.
You cannot always save other people, but you can give them a listening ear, you can give them encouragement, and you can give them grace.
Bless someone in your life. For my students, today we took a “chat day” after submitting work. I asked them tough questions (“how are you doing in other classes?” “what do you feel overwhelmed or stressed with?”)…
And you know what…
They had a lot to say.
We may not be able to forget, but we can forgive.
We may not be able to do all the things on our “to-do” list, but we can break it into smaller pieces/steps.
We may not be able to solve the world’s problems, but we can listen and comfort those who might struggle.
We may focus on the hurt and the suffering, but it sure is good to just focus on the positive, celebrate small victories.
We may be tough, but we also need grace.
I am learning a lot from my students this semester. I am learning to be more patient, not only with myself but with others. I am learning that I am surrounded by some really incredibly brave folks. Folks who are tough. Folks who are determined and fearless.
Take time to listen. I’m so glad I threw my lesson plans out the window (so to speak, I didn’t really chuck the plans out the window). I’m so glad I took the time and remembered that it is okay to be tough.
I think these images (quotes, words of wisdom, advice, if you will) sum up perfectly what I am trying to put into words today. <3