The title of this post is the result of a recent exchange I had with a friend. Also, since this will (more than likely) be my last post of February and I have yet to write a blog in homage to Black History Month, I'll steal this quote from Jesse Jackson (yes I know he is a contemporary figure).
Warning: This post isn't about Black History Month, as roomie and I joked, isn't being Black celebration enough?
No, this is a brief post about believing that what needs to happen will happen when it needs to happen and realizing the journey to your destination is not also easy. I think that this reality has been most salient to me in my current educational journey. Last semester was so rough for me. Much of it, I realized, was my own doing. I got so wrapped up in what I perceived to be my inability, that I failed to see my areas of strength and missed some valuable learning opportunities.
When I had some time to step away from it all (over Christmas break), I was able to get more clarity... I realized that, where I am is right where I need to be and I have given myself the liberty to yield to the growing pains that are a part of this experience. As a result, this semester has been great so far. Don't get me wrong, the workload is crazy, but that constant worry and doubt that I felt has nearly disappeared.
It's made me think a lot (and consequently get into frequent discussions) about how people can have a tendency to worry so much about the future that they ruin the present. Worry is a frenemy to hope. They both focus on the future, but worry slowly chokes the life out of hope until there isn't a scintilla of it left. Today, before worry can commence its destruction of vitality, I am standing against it. Good sense, however, I cling tightly to my chest.
I will end with a quote from a wise person I know: "...we do have to leave ourselves somewhat open to the idea that there's hope out there somewhere heading our way to pay a visit... and maybe stay forever!" - K.A.B.
