Maintaining Sanity

Maintaining Sanity

Job searching. A job in itself. Long days in front of the computer researching vacant positions with companies and organizations suited to the major studied and perfected; endless emails reiterating what my name is and from what esteemed institution I matriculated from. Updated resumes and appropriate cover letters taking up space on my hard drive and jump drive. Interminable stacks of index cards filled out with information about each job that peaked my interest with side notes about each follow-up call that was placed. This has been my life for the past two months. The idea of impending financial obligations, possible apartment options, really being on my own for the first time, are daunting things to contemplate. However, I am not the only one in the proverbial boat. There are several aspects of my life that I should consider myself fortunate to possess even if a job is not currently one of them. These are things that perhaps my fellow graduates of 2008 can find comfort in as well.
A family is often a conglomeration of interesting people who just happen to be related to one another, each with a unique story waiting to be shared. Yet, families are comprised of more significant elements than stories of creepy Uncle Stan at the end of the summer barbeque. They are support networks when others’ pessimism shreds one’s dreams. They are the only people who will laugh, (sincerely), at one’s corny jokes when nobody else will. Family is also a positive force rehabilitating the youngest of their brood when he or she cannot get his or her head above water. Traditions are instituted, providing moments of nostalgia when mental recuperation is needed. When young members of society are trying to earn their place in the working world, eager and willing to learn, (even if it is door-to-door sales), one thing that is promised to them is the backbone that is family. Family could be considered a flicker of light in a dark room, a glimmer of hope when all seems impossible. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot be driven out by darkness, only light can do that, hate cannot be driven out by hate, only love can do that.” That is family.
It is easier to wake up each day and face one’s personal circumstances when one can truly appreciate the simple things in life. Each individual might have his or her own personal collection of what constitutes the simple things. For me, it is the way my dog runs to me when I walk in the door. It is the ability of knowing that when opening my eyes in the morning, I can look out my window and see the sun shining. It is sitting at my computer with my favorite song on composing a piece that I know those who care for me will love. It is appreciating the roof over my head and food in my stomach that is graciously received each night as I sit down with my parents. For me, it is definitely the simple things.
A friend once told me that to come to one’s faith is a journey. It is a journey that perhaps is never finished, that which results in enabling one to constantly grow, both spiritually and emotionally. It is this faith that, despite how well-defined it is, aids an individual to persevere until his or her goals are achieved. Faith is certainly not a simple thing in life, but just as rewarding.
When it was suggested that I write a piece about job-searching that my peers could easily relate to, the approach taken was probably not what those individuals had in mind, but Robert Frost once wrote about taking the road less traveled. When the endless follow-up calls and emails are no longer proving effective and you are sitting at your computer frustrated and on the brink of self-deprecation, remember these three tools to what could ultimately help you achieve what you and your families know you are destined for: Greatness.