Being in a rut isn’t funny particularly if the rut goes on, and on and on. And what may seem like something we can cope with, can turn into a nightmare when us being in a rut doesn’t leave. It’s something that we must think about and try to move on from, because being in a rut is bad for both our mental and physical health.

If you’re the kind of person that is always proactive, being in a rut is something you’ll not choose to familiarise yourself, but for those of us who tend to stagnate, being in a rut is something you might eventually want to steer clear from or will want to avoid altogether.

There are things we can do to alleviate being in a rut for too long, but to do that we must consciously choose to think about and deal with issues as they arise. It is important we learn to cultivate a heightened awareness and appreciation of any simple daily tasks we take for granted and the results they can achieve.

For example, place in your mind something that you do every day that you take for granted, like opening a door. At the very moment you touch the handle to open the door in that moment, solely think about the act of opening the door. Be mindful of where you are and how you feel. Perhaps you’re feeling nervous and you already know why you’re feeling nervous, rather than feeling happy or sad.

Being mindful allows us to hone-in on our thoughts so that we begin to appreciate the little things more. Being mindful, means we take control of how we respond to negative feelings and emotions. That way we will validate our feelings, and our feelings won’t own us.

Hello.

This may be for you. Or may be just for me. 

I am about to state some facts that are super surface level and lack the great depth that I know it does it in my head. It is basically my prep talk to by myself as I stand with a towel around my waist talking to a foggy mist mirror image of myself. 

You did not get into graduate school this year.. again. Wait.. you do not know yet. You are still waiting on one more school. However, this whole thing is really taking a trip on you. It is graduation season so everyone is graduating and getting graduate school, and you.. just spent the night eating wings with your dad. And your best friend in this entire lifetime is no longer with you. 

What is the point in trying anymore? Maybe its not in the cards for you. Maybe your pushing on a wall instead of a door. Maybe you’re not smart enough. Maybe you didn’t try as hard as your talked about. Maybe you just aren’t ready. Nothing is wrong with you. Life happens. Oh boy, does it happen. You are on a total different journey than the person you think is running the same race you are. They are not. So please stop comparing apples to oranges.. although they are both fruit. 

It is not so black and white as you think it is. You are more than your GPA, GRE score, three letters of rec., academic resume, or your personal statement! Ok, maybe you are little bit of your personal statement.. But did you really put your all in it? Did you do your best? Ok, the only thing you cannot change is your GPA.. but you can improve on the other four things! 4 out 5 is not bad at all.