I've been part of the daily grind.
I'm a "busy body". I know it. Those close to me know it.
I'm always working on and towards goals.
That said, I'm starting to realize it is a never-ending cycle.
If I look at the average numbers of life expectancy, I'm past halfway.
The question is: "When should I just enjoy the here and now?"
It seems as though I just enjoy being too busy to enjoy the here and now.
If this sounds like a personal crisis, it kind of is.
In the last 48 hours, I've been through some trauma in my immediate family, and it is making me re-evaluate things. I don't want to make any quick decisions, but I am definitely re-evaluating current priorities.
I recently made a blog post about constantly reassessing your path , and that is what I'm doing. If I expand the analogy, I'm also re-evaluating what is in my backpack during the journey.
A common phrase that fits would possibly be "I've got too much on my plate."
I've been working a FT dev job, teaching as adjunct faculty, and working on a PhD. I've got teens at home. The last year of pandemic living has been so difficult on kids.
I believe my kids need more of my attention. I haven't done anything wrong or neglected them in any way, but I think pandemic living has created their need for increased attention.
Kids are missing out on so much socially. Teens need their school dances, sports, social clubs and activities, and so much more.
Remote living and learning has taken a toll on the mental health of all kids. Please check on yours, and if they tell you the impact they are feeling is 6 out of 10, just know they are being brave. Translate that to 10 out of 10.
Yes, I'm goal-driven and always will be.
The health and well-being of my children will always be my number one goal.
I'm not making any snap decisions, but I am considering pushing the pause button on my academic goals or at a minimum, slowing down. My personal achievement goals come after the needs of my kids.
The final decisions are... well, yet to be decided. I need some time to think.
I don't know who needs to hear this, but I know we are all doing our best.
You are, and I am, too. We will get through this pandemic yet.
There may be some pauses, a deep breath or two to relieve stress and anxiety, and some tears, but we are headed back to normalcy.
YouTube: @davegrayteachescode
Twitter: @yesdavidgray
LinkedIn: /in/davidagray
Reddit: /user/DaveOnEleven
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Dave