In my last post, I discussed the importance of focus and how, sometimes, achieving success requires us to hone in on a single goal, channeling all our energy into it. The irony of my absence since then isn’t lost on me. It wasn’t just a coincidence but a deliberate decision—a necessary shift in priorities. With so much on my plate—being pregnant, working full-time, and juggling two graduate-level courses—something had to give. Unfortunately, my writing hobby had to take a backseat.
Life has a way of throwing us into extremes. One moment, we’re effortlessly surfing the waves, feeling the rush of the wind in our hair, convinced that nothing can bring us down. Everything seems perfect, and it is as if we’ve finally figured out the secret to balancing everything. But then, without warning, we’re pulled under, struggling to stay afloat, gasping for air as we fight to break through the surface. In these moments, when life feels the most chaotic and challenging, it also feels the most real—and, in a strange way, the most rewarding.
The truth is, life wouldn’t be nearly as interesting without these highs and lows. Yet, if we’re honest, most of us—including myself—wish for a life filled only with highs, devoid of the lows that test our strength and resilience. Recently, I found myself in one of those inevitable lows. It felt almost like an overdue storm after a season of clear skies. I had just returned from an incredible trip to Vietnam with Penn State, where I experienced a cultural immersion that broadened my perspective and rejuvenated my spirit. On top of that, I earned a promotion at work—recognition that my hard work and dedication were paying off. And after years of battling the emotional rollercoaster of infertility, I was surprised to discover that I was pregnant. For a brief moment, I felt like I had “nailed” life as if I had finally mastered the delicate art of balancing everything that mattered to me.
But here’s the thing: no one can truly “nail” life. Life is a constant ebb and flow of challenges and triumphs, a series of peaks and valleys that keep us moving forward. Just when you think you’ve mastered one challenge, another one emerges, often more complex and demanding than the last. The early stages of any new challenge can be overwhelming, disorienting, and downright scary. But it’s also where the magic happens. There’s something profoundly satisfying about that moment when you break through the surface and finally, catch your breath and find your rhythm again. It’s in that moment you realize you’re capable of more than you ever imagined—that if you can conquer this challenge, you can face anything life throws your way.
If this resonates with you, it likely means you’re someone who consistently pushes yourself, someone who refuses to settle for the status quo. There’s something powerful about the drive to grow, to reach for more, even when it means embracing the discomfort and uncertainty that come with each new challenge. Of course, there are times when it’s necessary to coast, take a step back, and simply enjoy the view from where you are. But for those of us who are goal-oriented, that period of coasting can feel unsettling, almost like a void, as if we’re not doing enough to propel ourselves toward the next level we’re craving.
As I emerge from this latest challenge, I’m reminded of the cyclical nature of life—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s not about avoiding the lows or relentlessly chasing the highs but about embracing the entire journey. Each challenge we face, each wave we ride, is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become a better version of ourselves. It’s through this process of continual evolution that we find our true strength, resilience, and purpose.
So, if you find yourself in a low right now, remember that it’s just one part of the cycle. The highs will come again, and when they do, you’ll appreciate them even more for having weathered the storm. And when you’re riding that high, enjoy it fully, but don’t forget that it’s the challenges that make those moments so sweet. Life is a beautiful, unpredictable dance, and the more we embrace its rhythm, the more we can find joy in every step—no matter where it leads us next.
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