A lot can change in a year.
Relationships end while new ones are blossoming and many times, we mark changes in our lives with physical memories such as a new haircut, rearranging our home space or rewarding ourselves with something new.
However, changes don’t always happen consciously or even willingly. Sometimes, things happen that are out of our control, we’re knocked down a peg or two and regaining balance can be difficult.
Don’t let this scare you.
In the past year, I’ve gotten into my dream school, gotten promoted at my new job (twice) and gained so many new friendships and relationships.
I found out a few weeks ago that I didn’t get the supervisor position at my second job over the summer, and I was absolutely devastated.
For the past three summers, I’ve worked tirelessly and tried to take leadership so that my bosses would see that I’m a fit for the job and the beautiful raise it comes with, but they didn’t see it.
Not only did I not get the promotion, but I know three of my coworkers who did who I never expected to.
When we found out, my friends and I were fuming. We couldn’t believe it, and like most teenagers do, we complained relentlessly about it even though there was really nothing we could do to change it at that point.
It was then that I realized, who cares?
I let this minor setback overshadow all of the accomplishments that I’ve made in the past year for a good day and a half. That day and a half that I could have spent getting ready for the summer and doing my schoolwork.
My point is, don’t let one step back detract from the five steps you’ve taken forward. Take a look at the big picture.
Look at where you’re at today. It may not be better than you were at yesterday, but I guarantee it’s better than where you were a week, month or year ago.
Time has a funny way of making the little things seem huge in a moment and the huge things seem minuscule in comparison over a larger period.
If you’ve taken two steps forward, don’t be afraid to take a step back. It’ll give you some perspective, and you’ll have the opportunity to reminisce about when you were there last.
Sometimes we all need a reality check, which is OK.
I promise you’ll be OK.
