A big neon sign
My mom once told me that there's no such thing as unexpected. It's there, you just choose not to see it. You want to pretend your relationship was without fault, or that you were actually doing great in that class. And when the break-up/failed exam came, it appears to have been unexpected because you refused to see the warning signs. You're bruised from these external forces, and internally from your own disappointment. Where do you go now?
I asked a mental health advocate on campus who's promoting self-care during Finals Week(s). Here are his tips for all levels of hurt:
1. Tell someone you trust. You can't see how you look in the shirt if you're wearing it. Similarly, it's difficult to see the warning signs if you're living it. Friends and family members can reflect to you a different vision than you're seeing (so many Harry Potter references!).
2. It gets better (but what do I do right now?)
3. Don't blame yourself for "blindness" or denial. Unless X (the relationship or exam) was the sole focus of all your attention, the outcome was inevitable regardless of how well you prepare because life will always get in the way and balance is not a gift. Never regret it. It is this pain that shapes who you are and who you will become.
4. Learn from this and build a stronger, taller wall next time, because there will always be a next time.
When times get hard, overwhelming, or hopeless, what do you do to get through it?
I asked a mental health advocate on campus who's promoting self-care during Finals Week(s). Here are his tips for all levels of hurt:
1. Tell someone you trust. You can't see how you look in the shirt if you're wearing it. Similarly, it's difficult to see the warning signs if you're living it. Friends and family members can reflect to you a different vision than you're seeing (so many Harry Potter references!).
2. It gets better (but what do I do right now?)
3. Don't blame yourself for "blindness" or denial. Unless X (the relationship or exam) was the sole focus of all your attention, the outcome was inevitable regardless of how well you prepare because life will always get in the way and balance is not a gift. Never regret it. It is this pain that shapes who you are and who you will become.
4. Learn from this and build a stronger, taller wall next time, because there will always be a next time.
When times get hard, overwhelming, or hopeless, what do you do to get through it?
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