I've never been
"robbed" in the definition you're thinking of.
But I have been
robbed of joy. And perhaps you have been too.
I'm often hesitant
to share exactly what I think on a public blog, but this time, I'm going to try
to let loose of all inhibitions and tell you what's on my heart - maybe it will
help you to hear it too.
Our lives are filled
with easy access to social media. Facebook and twitter are at our fingertips
(and yes, even in Botswana). Status updates flood our newsfeeds with messages
that allow (and promote) comparison, whether we are aware of it or not. Getting
on Facebook gives me anxiety these days… and it took me a long time to realize
that. I used to be thinking…"how many engagements in my newsfeed today?
Who is going to grad school? Any babies? What kind of amazing things are other
Peace Corps volunteers doing in their communities?"
Crazy? Yes.
Unrealistic? No. Social media sites ask us to post status updates, photos, and
videos about just how awesome our lives are. The result? All the best. And
(usually), only the best.
Who wants to like a
status about how lost and confused someone is? Anyone ready to pick up the
phone and discuss big life problems of an acquaintance that posted at 5 a.m.?
We highlight our
best, and hide our worst.
But let's be real
for a minute…
No one is perfect.
No relationship is a fairy tale. No distinct life path is meant for any two
people.
We are divine
creations. We are SO UNIQUE. You & I could experience the EXACT same thing
& it would create entirely different emotions and thoughts for each of
us.
Everyone has their
own path in life. Some never finish school, others do. Some find the love of
their lives early on & have babies in their twenties, others don’t. You get
the point, I need not continue the list.
No matter what
happens, or when it happens, it's right for that person. Milestones in life are
not predetermined. They aren't set in stone (yet). They only will be when
you're ready.
Isn't that
incredibly beautiful?
The life you're
living is meant for you. You're right on time, you're right on track.
* * * * *
Pause for the crazy
personal application:
I've been driving
myself crazy trying to study for the MCAT. I worry I'm not smart enough. Will
medical schools accept me? Can I save lives as a doctor?
Downward spiral of
thoughts… well, maybe I'm not smart enough. I have been out of school for
years, and my other peers are already in medical school. They worked in
research labs, I quit my lab job. They were the top of their class, I enjoyed
my time in college, and still got a good GPA (but certainly not a 4.0) I spent all this time in the Peace Corps
when I could have been working my way to becoming a doctor… blah blah blah,
worry worry worry.
It's ridiculous.
And I know that.
Only when my crazy comparison glasses come off. When I stop with the crazy
comparisons, I know that my experiences make me who I am. That's what will make me a great doctor.
So will I ever be
that perfect medical school applicant? Never. I'll never have the perfect GPA.
I'll never achieve that high MCAT score I dream of that would get me into Ivy
League Schools.
The beauty? I
wouldn't like Ivy League Schools anyway.
I'll get the score I
need, I'll get to medical school somehow. I'll be admitted to the right school
for me, when it's right for me.
I'll be somewhere
that accepts me for who I am. They'll accept me
as the woman who loves wearing a clown nose and learning alongside Patch
Adams, holding hands with home-based care patients dying of AIDS, rocking
babies to sleep, and approaching each person with love, compassion, and
friendship.
I'm not your typical
medical school applicant. I'm just me.
And when I look at
myself without comparison, I'm quite content.
* * * * *
Comparison is the
worst kind of thief.
Avoid it at all
costs.
You've fought your
own battles. You have your own scars. Your heart has its own desires.
Don't define your
own self worth by someone else's standards.
Love your own life.
And above all, love that there is no one else in the entire universe with your
skills, your personality, and your heart.
Love &Light,
TMV
I love this post Tate! I was pre-med and shooting for medical school before I went into Peace Corps. I have a wonderful feeling about you and I agree with what you wrote, you'll get into the right school for you at the right time for you. In the meantime I hope you are enjoying just being you. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Travis! :o) I appreciate your kind words. And so happy to see you had everything work out for you post-Peace Corps :o) Talk to you soon!
DeleteTate! Thank you for always reminding me of the beautiful things in life!! I too make these comparisons which is why the only thing I do on facebook these days is like things and make sure I say "hi" to the people I love, like you, but may never see for a very long time. I am in a similar boat - need to apply to grad school soon, and just thinking about it is scccaaarrry. On another note :) I have seen your brain hard at work... late night study sessions in your very first dorm room with your very first roomate and I know you can do whatever you set your mind to. Thanks for bringing these thoughts to light, you are so wise :)
ReplyDeletexo Deirdre
D! so so happy to hear from you! :o) I sure do miss you. You'll be great in grad school - we both saw how much we worked - and just imagine, that was only our freshman year of undergrad!! :o) Sending you lots of love, good luck applying {whenever that will be} and please do stay in touch! xoxoxo
DeleteTate,
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you for being willing to "open your heart" and share what was in it in this post. It is only when we get real with ourselves that we can help each other.
You are amazing, you are doing exactly what God intended for you to do and the world is a better place because you had the courage to follow your dreams. God is answering all your prayers and is giving you precisely what you need when you need it the most, not when you want it. There is a difference.
God Bless you dear Tate and thanks for sharing what was in your heart!
Love,
J