Each month feels crazier than the last. Let us hope this month’s blog serves as a reprieve from your weary travels.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Tear Drop by Massive Attack.
FALL 2020
After much uncertainty and confusion, the next few months – at least – have been sorted. I’ve been hired as research staff (a short-term post-doc, if you like). This’ll give me an opportunity to publish a few manuscripts, work on some JEDI efforts, and possibly entertain other pet projects. I’ve spent the last few weeks recovering from the final leg of graduate school. Per the suggestion of my supervisor, therapist, parents, et al., I did absolutely nothing for ~2 weeks. I ceased all routines (e.g. exercise, language studies) and gave my undivided attention to the sofa, TV, and the occasional social engagement. I needed a serious break in order to recuperate. Afterwards, I began reintegrating elements of my daily routine and taking on responsibilities and chores. The slow reintroduction of structure has definitely helped. The goal is to prevent burnout since I’m starting a new position. While a year would be ideal for post-graduate rehabilitation, life’s financial realities don’t currently allow for that pipe dream. Thus, I have to create spaces for self-care and re-invigoration given my present circumstances.
I’ve officially started my new position, so I’ll return to the grind of writing and research shortly. I’m hoping to submit at least 2 – 3 papers at the very least. In addition, there’s plenty of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work that I would like become more involved with. I have my hands in more than enough jars to keep me busy. We’re currently operating under the assumption that, unless mandatory, work will be overwhelmingly remote. Now that grad school is over, there are no required courses or seminars. I just…work. Like a normal cog in the capitalist machine. The only update from Japan is that there are no updates, reaffirming my suspicion that I won’t be departing until mid-2021 at the earliest.
Advice: It’s clear that 2020 ain’t a normal year. The rest of the year will involve living in this brave new paradigm. I’d highly suggest creating a new normal for yourself – a means of surviving with school, work, family, etc.
BREAKS, HOBBIES, AND CREATIVITY
Breaks are absolutely necessary to physical, emotional, and mental well-being. And there are all sorts of breaks. It can be a weekend getaway OR a purge of responsibilities at home. Sometimes – especially in the current world of remote work and existential dread – you have to create your own oasis. For me, that involved severing my routines and devoting energy to neglected projects and responsibilities. I started cleaning, organizing, writing, and Lego-ing. My break has helped my sleep cycle, mood, and self-fulfillment. It’s given me time to get re-excited about my work and doing future work. Going forward, I intend to do a better job of balancing my work and hobbies. For too long in graduate school, I neglected my hobbies. This stifled my creativity and left me feeling…one-dimensional (if that makes any sense). In the last few weeks of reacquainting myself with hobbies that spur feelings of child-like wonder, I feel like I’ve added more meaning and dimensions to my life. I’m capping this recuperation time with a final break over Labor Day weekend. Then, it’s pedal to the metal.
Advice: Creative solutions to self-care are necessary. Your break doesn’t have to be a vacation to a faraway place. It can be a break in your day-to-day life or a temporary indulgence in something you’ve neglected.
REMINDER – IT TAKES WORK
Full warning, this section blends advice and experience. If you’re currently engaged in the work of social justice at any level – from federal to the classroom to your research group – please make sure to do the hard work. Educate yourself, listen to other perspectives (particularly those of disenfranchised / minoritized groups), and be ready and willing to check yourself or have yourself checked. There’s no such thing as a perfect ally or a perfect friend. However, we have to be willing to work towards a better society. If you’re unsure how to be a better ally or have a real impact, please consult Google, Twitter, your local community, etc. There are a number of organizations and individuals doing the Lord’s work. And it is NOT the responsibility of minoritized/oppressed/disadvantaged/undervalued individuals to educate you.
CURRENT SHOWS
Recently finished: #blackAF (s1); DCI Banks (s1 – 5); Hard Sun; Paradox; Street Food (Latin America & Asia)
Currently watching: BEM; Lucifer (s5)
Thank you for reading! My next post is scheduled for Thursday, September 24th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 