TAKING STOCK

This is the time of year we reflect on the past year and look forward to the next. Going into the third year of COVID is not where we thought we’d be, or where we wanted to be (although it beats many, many alternatives.)  Listening to my students and colleagues, the most frequent comments I hear are expressions of frustration–

”I’m so tired of this!”

“I’m so done with all of this!”

“Why do they keep changing the rules?”

“When am I going to know if we’re going to class in person or on line?”

“Why can’t I just . . . “

“When can I get together with my friends?”

“Is it safe to . . . “

“What about people who don’t . . .”

“. . .”

Make your own list. Actually, today is going to be list time, and this list is the first. Write down your frustrations, questions, irritations that are sand under your fingernails today. Then, tuck this list away where you can access it and add to it as the term goes on. Trust me, there will be more frustrations as the term goes on.

Now in terms of reflection, consider: You are here now. You got through the term, despite the frustrations and hindrances. One way or another, you adapted–sometimes successfully, and sometimes not so successfully. You met challenges, won some, lost some. 

Two more lists:

First, list the challenges and successes you have had this term. Write them down. Big ones, small ones–you met a lot of challenges. Maybe it was solving internet issues. Getting used to masks. Changing courses. Getting tough assignments done. Helping out around the house. Keeping a relationship up despite isolation. Dealing with a disappointing mark. Achieving a good mark. Doing group work. Dealing with academic bureaucracy. 

Keep this list handy so that you can access it and add to it as you think of challenges met that you had taken for granted. And there will be more challenges met as the term goes on.

Second, list the challenges that you feel you did not meet in the way you wish you might have. I’ll talk about those next week, just get them down for now.

Add to this list the challenges that you project you will meet this coming term. Never mind solutions right now, just write these challenges down, and put the list aside.

Now go back and read the challenges you have met. By now you have probably thought of a few more. Add them.

The point: You have met more challenges than any student cohort has met since the times of the Great Depression and World War II. Frustration and uncertainty will continue, but you have dealt, and can continue to deal. Motivation has been up and down, but you are here (I know that, because you are reading this blog!)

So before class starts, indulge in a core essential–self-care. Over the next few days, as you put in place your academic readiness tools, also think of activities that you look forward to, that you reward yourself with. Spend some time enjoying friends, partners, pets, reading, exercising, binge-watching–and reflecting on how you have met the challenges of the past couple of years.

Next week: Gearing up to meet the challenges. Finding joy in moving toward success. I’ll share the mindsets and tips that have worked with my students.

Take care, and see you next week—keep in touch. I’m booking now for sessions that start in January. [email protected]

The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources. Reach out to them. And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS  PLEASE DIAL 911.