Saturday, April 26, 2014

do what you love

as a first year trainee, I have received a lot of advice- all of it from people more senior (and probably wiser) than me.

a lot of it is conflicting- i should be doing more/less procedural work. i should have started studying in july last year vs i should take a break or i'll burn out. i should/shouldn't be reporting on my early shifts.
nb this seems to contribute to the myriad reasons why i am educated so frequently..

and as in every job, there are people you enjoy working with more than others. the bosses who teach constructively rather than critically, are clear (and gentle!) in their explanations, and confident enough to let you make mistakes as you learn.
on top of that, there are a few bosses who stand out further from the crowd. in my workplace, these bosses are filled with joy often the most competent and caring as well. it makes me wonder which came first, the joy or the competency.

a couple of weeks ago, one such boss asked me what i do for a hobby. i have always loved reading and writing. during my emotionally labile teenage years, playing the piano was another outlet for me. i love playing board games as much as the kids next door. heck, i'd probably enjoy baking too if anybody would be willing to consume my creations.

but apart from occasionally blogging, i haven't done any of the above for a long time. in fact, since year 11, i have always put everything enjoyable on the back burner after my studies.

i am ten years older now, and i know that life doesn't wait for you. studying has consumed the past decade of my life. i have achieved almost everything i had hoped to when i was in year 11. i thought that if i achieved this grade or accepted that job, i would feel accomplished and content- but yet here i am, still studying, and putting off friendships and life with the hope of passing exams and keeping my coveted job.

somewhere within the last decade I managed to lose my ability to wake up, smile at the sunshine, and give praise to God for my perfect life. and i think part of the reason is that this particular consultant was right, that you do need to keep doing the things you love, and love the things that you do.

so in an attempt to encourage more positive thinking, here are five happy thoughts for me today:
1. I believe there is a God who has triumphed over sin and death and whose grace is sufficient for my life. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
2. I have an amazing boyfriend.
3. My parents and immediate family are all healthy and happy.
4. Today is church day! I love going to church.
5. I am going to spend a good deal of today studying which is going to make me feel productive and more optimistic about passing this exam!!!

as my favourite author puts it: "I have learned that happiness is like the sun. It must be enjoyed when it comes and while it shines." (Ashling, Isobelle Carmody)

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The world is littered with unfinished visions, and is not life such a vision? And is not the finishing of any thing a little death?

--Darksong