How to Persevere in Difficult Times
“Why do you want to go to school online even though you have so much going on?” This was the question my creative writing instructor asked during a conference about my failing grade. It was a question I wasn’t sure how to answer, but I knew I needed to find a reason to continue and finish strong.
Here’s a little back story, my husband has Sickle Cell Anemia. This is a blood disorder with no cure. There have been and continue to be many clinical trials and experiments to find a cure, but some are more harmful than helpful.
My family and I lived in Dallas, Texas, and I was working Full-Time while being a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and caretaker. My husband’s illness was really taking a toll on his mind and body, and the hospital visits were frequent, like weekly. I would get off work, pick my children up from daycare and drop them off to stay with family while I sat with my husband in the ER for hours.
Amid all things mentioned above, I also felt the need to further my education and cement my dedication to being a writer with a Full Sail University degree. This was a great decision until life became extraordinarily overwhelming, and my grades began to suffer due to every other responsibility I had at the forefront. That was my reason. I was focused on doing something for myself that I felt would propel me forward in my childhood dream of being an author.
Since the 3rd grade, I knew that I wanted to be a writer but never really pursued it. Back to my instructor, instead of discouraging me, he gave me some suggestions.
He advised me to bring my laptop to the hospital so that while waiting, I could work on assignments and study as necessary… to some, that would seem like common sense, but when you’re under stress, maybe not so much.
When he gave me that one suggestion, I realized how to make the best of an unfavorable and stressful circumstance. There was a lot that I had no control over, such as my husband’s illness and the need to work and care for my family. But, there was something that I could do to achieve my goals, and that was to make a few more sacrifices.
Accept the things you cannot control…
I am sure we all have heard that saying. I could control what I chose to do with my time. I had to be intentional about creating a schedule for meal planning, prepping, and cooking. I had to schedule writing and homework time even when I didn’t seem to have the emotional capacity. I had to learn how to create the opportunities I needed to succeed and not succumb to my circumstances.
Be confident
I also realized that I was destined for greatness. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says,” For I know the plans I have for you,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)
I reflected on this scripture as a reminder of God’s plans for my life, and that success is inevitable. It might not be easy, but it will be worth it.
Be Grateful
I learned to look at each day as a new opportunity to live my best life… I chose to look at my children’s smiles and my husband’s comfort in knowing that I was by his side. I am somewhat of a perfectionist, so once I put my faith into action, I saw my grade move up each assignment. I learned to take a deep breath and accomplish each task one by one. Realizing that I am capable of great things is a gratifying thought as well. This is why I am still writing today.
I chose not to give up during trials and tribulations. Not that things are more comfortable now, but choosing joy over sorrow is a reminder that anything is possible.
