Is today's post going to be a bit of a ramble? Yes. Is it because I am slowly preparing myself to enter the "real world," with a 9-5 career and I am questioning everything in life that we work for and my purpose and is it all worth it? Yes, yes I am.
Luckily, in times of stress, writing is very therapeutic to me. I'm currently getting my multiple subject teaching credential at Sac State, and it's been--to be quite frank--kicking my ass as of late. I am in 8 classes while also student teaching 2 days a week, being observed by a supervisor, and trying to nanny occasionally so I have money to pay for gas. It's been stressful!
Let me first recognize my privilege. Attending and affording college is a privilege. Teaching is my calling and I love every second of being in the classroom. I feel so incredibly lucky to be meeting new and wonderful people while reaching my goals at the same time. But am I allowed to feel a little burnt out occasionally? I think so!
Grad school has caused me to think a lot more about American society and our capacity for "relaxing." I have begun to long for the days when summer break meant eating popsicles, riding bikes, watching t.v., playing hide and seek, climbing trees, and having absolutely zero cares or responsibilities or people to truly disappoint. I hate sounding like the cliche Peter Pan troupe, but sometimes growing up is hard!
As a culture, I do not think we place nearly enough significance on relaxation and the enjoyment of life. Many of us are constantly thinking about work, no matter the time of the day. And if we are not thinking about work, we are thinking about how we can be productive in the present moment, like cleaning or filling the car with gas or calling the doctor. Life is starting to feel like one giant, endless to-do list as I get older. And I know it's just going to get longer.
At times it has made me resent the American lifestyle. Why do we place so much worth on our ability to be the most productive and make the most money? We are constantly having to say no to new experiences and friends in order to accomplish something else, something "more important." At what age did life become this way? I don't know the answer but I really don't like it.
Which leads me to the point in which I have decided upon: we need to carve out more time to relax. No matter how hard it might seem, especially for those with more type-A personalities, we must turn off our computers, turn off our phones, and go for an adventure. Spend time with a child, or if you have no access to one, be a child! Paint, draw, read, sing, watch movies all day, eat McDonald's, frock-lick through a field, whatever the fuck I do not care. I just think we all could use a little more joy in our lives. If time permits, I am going to try my best to attempt this as well.
Wish us luck!
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