an open letter to the struggling, tired grad student (or any student) during a pandemic...

i see you. i see you fighting everyday to do daily tasks. i see you trying to maintain and upkeep all aspects of life to a certain standard. i see you not knowing how you’re going to make it through the day with all the activities/tasks you need to complete. i see you fighting to not give up. i see you fearing failure. i see you fighting anxiety before going to engage with people. i see you pouring out and draining all your energy and effort into external factors. i see you becoming restless due to not getting enough sleep. i see you not having consistent eating patterns. i see you canceling plans at the last minute and lack of vulnerability by making up reasonings as to why you can’t be there. i see you shutting down. i see you not wanting to let anyone in while not wanting anyone’s help or support. i see that you feel lonely and your feelings that you can only fight for yourself. i see you feeling like your losing yourself as you look in the mirror your unrecognizable.

i hear you. i hear the negative self talk and insecurities that flood your head that tell you you’re not good enough. i hear those unsettling, deafening whispers in your ear telling you that you can’t do it anymore.

i am with you...

and we CAN do this

those whispers are wrong & don’t allow them to consume your thoughts. don’t give it the power to control your emotions and behaviors.

i see & hear your strength and resiliency while you’re maintaining so much. i see & hear your ability to help and support others.

i encourage you to let others help and support you especially in the nature of the circumstances of this pandemic. we are not meant to do this life alone. i encourage you to be vulnerable with trusted/safe people. i know there’s that risk that you will be hurt, let down or misunderstood but that risk is worth it if it means taking a step towards connection and growth.

i encourage you to see you and with this, i encourage you to learn to accept you and express love towards you. i encourage you to set your own limitations and boundaries. i encourage you to practice self care and methods that help provide some relief. some examples of this could be mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, prayer, meditation, movement of the body, journaling, creative expression, etc.

you know who also sees you, hears you and is with you? his name is jesus & he adores you. all he wants is relationship with you.

this season of life is extremely challenging but God uses our difficult seasons. he uses our failures, insecurities, pain, guilt and shame. we don’t have to carry the burden of these feelings.

difficult seasons are just as important if not more important than easy seasons. i encourage you to know who you are fully and to know who jesus is.

we have the strength to get through this even in times that it feels unbearable and when we feel weak. show up for you, celebrate your wins, take the pressure off, and express extra love & kindness 🤍

you are strong, you are worthy, you are loved, & you are enough

best,

alexis