#strugglebus

thing i like: figuring it out

Some days, you wake up and it feels like you’ve got a one-way ticket on the struggle bus. Today is one of those days for me. I’m working from home because the snow and icy roads made commuting less than appealing. I looked outside, saw the weather, and decided staying in was the smart move.

The morning started like any other—took my meds, grabbed a peanut butter and grape jam sandwich, then hopped in the shower. But something feels off. I’m unfocused, unmotivated, and just... off. There’s no big reason, no obvious trigger—just one of those days. And let’s be real, it’s hard to feel productive when your mind’s on a scenic detour.

From my spot at the kitchen-slash-work table, I stare out the patio door. The snow is falling, and it’s honestly kind of pretty—until I remember I live in a housing complex. Sure, no shoveling is a huge perk (because I loathe it), but there’s something about living in an apartment complex that kills the cozy winter vibe. My brain, true to form, decides to wander: Maybe I should livestream the snowfall? Then the realist chimes in, Who’s going to watch me film snow with my neighbor’s building in the background?

And so, the internal dialogue continues: Focus. You’ve got podcasts to edit, a syllabus to review, and an article to write. Stop piling on distractions.

It’s a tough cycle to break. One thought leads to another, and before I know it, I’m wishing I lived somewhere snow-free, where I could slide the patio door open to fresh air that doesn’t feel like it’s straight from the Arctic. But here I am, trudging through the day.

Still, it’s okay to have days like this. The struggle bus doesn’t run forever. At some point, it slows down, and you can jump off, refocus, and tackle what needs doing.

Just a reminder for those who need it.