Non-Career Advice is a series that asks people - young, old, and in a range of occupations - for words of wisdom unrelated to work, career-building, dollars, or getting ahead.
Kathy Lee / Medical student
Also: Writer / quote collector / culinary whiz
Age: 30
Any
movement drives you forward — even if it’s in slow motion. “A friend
of mine who works for a scholarship foundation asked me if I would mentor some
students at UCSD this year, and I told her I thought that was the worst idea
ever — I’m mostly a mess these days, I said. I lost my sister this year, and
the months following have been marked by loss and grief and the big
changes that often accompany tragedy (including a decision to leave school
and move home, from DC to San Diego). I told my friend that in many ways, I'm
still reeling, and working to pick up the pieces.
She said that was exactly why I should be mentoring — because I had
lived, and am still living. And I think she's right. I don't think I realized
this until very recently, but I think this year, with all
its challenges, has made me stronger. It's been awful and isolating
in ways I never thought I would experience at 29 — and now, 30 — and for a
while, I thought that by coming home to reassess my path, I was hitting
pause on life. But really, I think I've just been moving in slow motion. I
really couldn't see myself being OK in April, but I got here somehow, and I
think that no matter what happens later in life (and I know that, inevitably,
there will be more challenges and more emotional ups and downs), I will know
that I can handle it - even if I am flailing all the way through.”
So brave! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteso true and such a good reminder. thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletewonderful. your words are inspiring!
ReplyDeletemost of the time i feel like a mess too. well written post.. and inspiring words.. these life experiences while earth shattering at the time do make us stronger.. we are capable u=of much more then we give ourselves credit for
ReplyDeleteSo touching, I really related to this, great post!! :)
ReplyDeleteVery wise & inspiring. great post.
ReplyDeletelove this post. we honor life by living it. thanks, kathy, for a timely message. happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteThis series has became my favorite, such great advice EVERY TIME. I can't believe you know so many amazing people, you're so lucky!
ReplyDeleteI am speechless and overwhelmed (in a good way) by all your words of support and kindness. Thank you so so SO much everyone!
ReplyDeleteBrave and true. I think we're all flailing for reason or another. I'm 32, which for so long I thought meant I needed to have it all together. But I don't. I'm still figuring it out. I'm still testing my boundaries and my independence and being an adult who doesn't have to check with Mom and Dad before doing something (until last November I was living at home due to unemployment.)
ReplyDeletePerhaps sometimes we are all a little too hard on ourselves, this is a lovely reminder that slow motion is still motion and even worthy of our own admiration! Kathy you sound like an amazing and brave lady and I'm sure you'll make a great mentor :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words!
ReplyDeleteHena, yes!
ReplyDeleteCamila, thank you for reading! And yes, I agree! I'm so lucky to have such inspiring, creative people in my life — they blow me away constantly.
Fee, absolutely — I think so, too!
And Kathy, thank you again so much for your beautiful words. It's such a pleasure to have you.