Carry On!

 

It’s a new year, but for teachers it is the half-way point in the school calendar. First semester is over - time to start the second half. We tell our students to keep going, to persevere. But what does that really mean?

Perseverance is defined as continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. (merriam-webster.com) Sometimes perseverance is a long term struggle; other times it is just a transient blip on the journey of life. It might be a prolonged illness or time of healing. It could be growing a business from the ground up. It might simply be the finishing of a short term goal. Several of my grandchildren are taking Karate lessons. Getting through your white belt may only take a matter of months. Getting your first black belt may take many years. Recently I spent 3 days climbing up and down ladders, running and testing cables, just to get an outside camera up and running. I have to admit, there were times I wanted to just throw the thing away and go on. But eventually I found the problem, fixed it, and walked away victorious. The camera works and it was also a good leg workout. I knew I could finish it, because I had done it before. I just had to keep trying. It’s funny how the struggle doesn’t seem as bad once you are through it. The goal is reached and we get to bask in the success of a job well done, at least until another struggle comes along.

 Struggles help us grow. I like to start tomato & pepper seedlings in February here in California so I can get them in the garden as soon as things warm up. (Yes, it’s also because I’m cheap and don’t want to spends $4 on a single plant at the store, but that’s another story.) When you grow seedlings inside under lights, gardeners always advise you to have an oscillating  fan pointed at them. This is to make the stems move back and forth. It helps them to have stronger stems. If plants could talk, they would probably complain, but whether they like it or not, it’s good for them. Stronger stems means more resilient plants and fruit.

 Just like physical trials help strengthen our physical bodies, spiritual trials help us grow spiritually. Knowing we have succeeded before can give us the energy to overcome the next trial. It has been said that, “The only way to fail is to quit”. When asked about all of his failures in light bulb designs Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." The key to perseverance, whether short or long term, is never giving up. It’s the daily grind, moment by moment, that finally adds up to a realization of your intended goal.

  

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Start the New Year Right!

Does it feel like a letdown after Christmas and New Year’s are over? Turns out New Year’s Depression is a real thing. I kind of remember not wanting to get into the routine again when I was in high school, but I had always thought it was a combination of more homework and the freezing cold temperatures that come with winter in Northern Illinois & Wisconsin. I remember seeing it in my friends also, but mental health was not really talked about much when I was a kid. Now that I look back, I can see how we all were affected. Although I’m still not a fan of AI (Skynet still comes to mind) it did come up with some good suggestions. (Note: I did do some editing for length.)

Key signs to watch for: (for others and yourself)

1. Mood swings: Feeling suddenly down or tearful after the holiday excitement fades.

2. Social withdrawal: Avoiding social events or interactions, preferring to stay alone.

3. Loss of interest: Lack of enthusiasm for activities that were previously enjoyable.

4. Excessive self-criticism: Focusing on perceived flaws or failures, feeling inadequate.

5. Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, oversleeping, or disrupted sleep patterns.

6. Changes in appetite: Significant decrease or increase in food intake.

7. Increased substance use: Turning to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.

8. Physical complaints: Unexplained aches and pains, fatigue, headaches.

9. Negative thoughts: Focusing on negative aspects of life, feeling pessimistic about the future.

To cope with New Year's depression, focus on self-care practices like maintaining a healthy routine, engaging in activities you enjoy, setting realistic goals, managing expectations, reaching out to loved ones for support, and seeking professional help if needed; if the feelings are persistent or severe, consider talking to a therapist about potential underlying issues related to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Key strategies to manage New Year's depression:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Don't dismiss your emotions; accept that it's normal to feel a sense of letdown after the holiday season.

2. Set realistic goals: Instead of drastic resolutions, set achievable goals that build positive momentum throughout the year.

3. Prioritize self-care:

            Healthy eating: Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

            Regular exercise: Physical activity can significantly boost mood.

            Quality sleep: Aim for consistent sleep schedules.

            Mindfulness practices: Meditation or deep breathing can help manage stress.

4. Social connection:

            Reach out to loved ones: Spend time with supportive friends and family.

            Join a group: Consider joining a club or activity group based on your interests.

5. Focus on the positive: Reflect on accomplishments from the past year and celebrate small wins.

When to seek professional help:

1. If your depression is severe or interferes with daily life.

2. If you experience persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

3. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

 

The real key is don’t stay silent. Talk to a pastor, a friend, a parent, a sibling. You will find out you are not alone. Tell God how you feel. He cares. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7