Putting the Pieces Together

You have to start somewhere.

You have a dream, a goal, a mission, but oftentimes it is just all too overwhelming when you realistically think about reaching them. Any goal, big or small takes smaller steps to get there. It takes persistence and determination. These are two qualities that are critical to reach whatever it is you are trying to obtain.

I have found, during my on and off again process of applying to graduate programs, that it is ok to delay some time before you start the process of getting to where you want to be. It is not about how to get there first but it is ALL about doing it within the accurate time schedule.

As I looked at all my peers going to grad school, doing big things, seeming like they had their life on track, I kept drowning in my thoughts of "What the hell am I doing?" But the realization I have come to, is that it is not about following everyone else's footsteps. They are living their dream; let them, and be happy for them. I finally realized I should stop comparing myself to others and just do what I need to do according to the time schedule that is right for me. I realized that the reason why I didn't push myself to apply to graduate schools earlier (like I had originally planned) was because I was too overwhelmed. I was too overwhelmed with the big picture that I couldn't come back down to reality and put the smaller pieces together to get there. Also, I just wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to start the long arduous process of applying to grad schools. But now, I feel it in my bones... I am READY.

The time has come and I am excited for this process. I am determined to do what it takes to apply and get there. And if I don't get in, it's ok. Get back up and apply again. As I take a break from doing my apps, I write this blog post as a reminder to myself and to anyone else who may read this, it's not about how fast you get there, but doing things according to your time schedule and simply knowing what and when is right for you.

Tailor-make the process to fit you. That is the only way you can achieve the big picture and truly be happy with each step you take in getting there.