I love this song - it's so simple yet beautifully straight to the point. I know it's a kid's song (from Sesame Street) but sometimes going back to the basics and finding comfort in the little things can really help when you start to feel overwhelmed.
Looking back, everything seems simpler when you're a little kid, but even though the challenges you face may be different from catching a ball or rolling on skates, the same advice applies to now. Practice makes perfect, and one day you will succeed as long as you don't give up. One of the biggest differences I've noticed, at least about myself, is when I was younger it was easier to admit I didn't know something and look to others for help, whereas now that I'm older I feel like I'm suddenly expected to be a master of all things and have a better understanding of the way things work which makes it hard not to feel like a failure when you're constantly holding yourself to an unrealistic standard.
If you've ever felt the same way, let me encourage you: Don't expect yourself to know everything and get it perfect the first time. Practice and give yourself time to learn and improve. You'll get it - just don't give up. 💖
Your mind is an incredible gift and tool and able to accomplish many great things, but it may need time to get things right - and that's okay! I think one of the most frustrating things about trying a new skill is how you feel when you get something wrong...at least for me. It's tempting to think "I just can't get it" or chalk it up to "well I must be stupid" but that couldn't be further from the truth. Being smart doesn't mean everything comes easily to you, nor is it measured by how well you do on tests or how quickly you solve problems. Being smart means you have the capability to learn and overcome challenges and that's a strength I think we all have, and it's only a matter of time until you find a solution.
Remember, "failure's not your enemy, your fears are"...so don't let your fears and failures stop you from trying again and getting excited about what may come next.
Here's to all your future success and past achievements - keep going and don't give up. 🎉❤
This got me thinking though...is it ever right to quit? And I would say yes - absolutely.
For example, Natalie quit helping Gabriel. That was good. 😏😜 (And way overdue)
Sometimes it's necessary and even admirable to quit. For example, quitting a bad habit, ending a bad relationship, leaving a bad work environment, or even leaving a job for a better one, are all solid reasons where quitting can actually be a good thing.
While perseverance and not giving up are very important, sometimes we might actually need to take a break or move on to something else altogether.
Sometimes we try to force ourselves to stick with something and feel guilty or ashamed when we're not able to complete it, but maybe that's just a sign that you're meant to do something else. Something better suited to your skills and circumstance.
This is something I've been really conflicted about lately. As some of you know, I've been working as a cashier at a grocery store but I injured my wrist back around this time last year and it still hasn't healed. I also have a joint problem/autoimmune disease that I've struggled with for a very long time and it can be really discouraging when it hinders me from things I want or need to do. These past few months have been increasingly worse, (probably because it's winter) and I was getting really frustrated with myself because this is literally such an easy job - scanning and bagging items for 4-5 hours and smiling at customers, but just standing in place for hours and moving things with my wrists hurt SO much and I felt so worn out and miserable but also annoyed with myself for being such a weakling. However, some time and perspective and a chat with my mom, (along with many prayers) led me to the conclusion that maybe this wasn't what I was meant to spend my time on and just because my pains and limitations are invisible to others doesn't make them not real and I didn't have to beat myself up over something I had no control over. I do take steps to protect my joints and manage my pain like wearing a wrist brace and being conscious of my actions, but to a point I really couldn't control how much it affected me, and while I am glad I worked there as long as I did, I'm looking forward to focusing more on school and seeing what God might have next for my life.
No one wants to be seen as a "quitter" but that doesn't mean you're never allowed to quit.
I think the real difference is your mindset. If you're looking at it one task at a time, you might think quitting one project means utter failure, but if you look at the bigger picture maybe it will lead you to start a new and better project where you can learn from your past and make something new.
The important thing is you keep trying, you keep looking for new opportunities, and you give yourself time to grow.
Love you! 💖