Has it been a month? Or a year? It feels like “time has moved on” for all of you Dark Tower fans. Today’s blog is short and sweet thanks to deadlines. The featured image shows cinder cones on Mauna Kea.
SONG INSPIRATION
The first blog of this month is inspired by Rick Ross’s, Aston Martin Music. Always reminds me of my later years in college.
POST-DEFENSE LULL
My focus and motivation have dropped to the lowest levels since after my qualifying exams 3 years ago. On one hand, that’s completely understandable given the work I’ve put in over the last year. On the other hand, I still have a few more weeks until my dissertation is due. And then I have to reorganized those chapters and submit them for publication. That’ll involve additional revisions, specifically related to organizational structure and figures. Thankfully, I’m on schedule. However, my ability to work more than a few hours a day is nonexistent. I’m not anxious or depressed, but hella lethargic. In fact, I’ve been investing more time in hobbies, including writing, cooking, Legos, etc. But science…yeah, I’m not feeling that at the moment. I really need a break from graduate school. I’ll take full advantage of my time off before starting my new job. I’m exhausted.
Advice: If possible, you should take a break after graduate school. Graduate school is a steady burn – like a marathon – and chances are you’ll need time to recharge and rebalance your mind afterwards. If you can’t take a break, make sure to incorporate self-care in your new routine wherever you end up.
THE NEVER-ENDING PROCESS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
Y’all, last month brought a lot of mental and emotional labor for ya boy. Granted, I’m not one to shy away from uncomfortable conversations or contentious topics. I spent most of June reading articles, watching lectures, and engaging in deep conversations around race-related issues in America and abroad. When it comes to dismantling a 500-year system of oppression, every day is a battle. Personally, I don’t mind doing the work but I know it isn’t for everyone. And it’s not the job of marginalized individuals to prove their worthy of existing. That said, I’m slowly coming to realize that my academic future is one that encapsulates teaching, mentoring, and advocacy. I want to create opportunities for future generations, especially those individuals who look like me and may come from similar beginnings.
Advice: Neither apathy nor neutrality is helpful. This is lifelong struggle that will permeate into all aspects of your life. Nevertheless, don’t neglect your self-care.
FOURTH OF JULY
Fourth of WHO!? I can’t believe we’re already, like, halfway through the year. It doesn’t even feel like it because the-year-of-which-we-do-not-speak has been HELLFIRE. Needless to say, July 4th will not involve a trip back home to see my family. I’ll be sheltering in place, but that doesn’t mean I won’t have an opportunity to smash some mouthwatering entrees. I’m looking forward to relaxing over the long weekend in the midst of dissertation edits. I’m also planning some events to make things feel a little festive. It’s about self-care.
CURRENT SHOWS
Recently finished: Carole & Tuesday (s1); Insecure (s4)
Currently watching: Carole & Tuesday (s2); House Hunters; How to Get Away with Murder (s6); Psycho Pass (s2)
Thank you for reading! My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, July 30th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 