These days, every September and after the summer holidays, we see a lot of our young ones going back to school and the rest of us all head back to work and to the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For me the worst part of my first day back to work after the long holidays is having to wake up at the sound of the alarm.
Last summer, like most summer holidays, I indulge myself. Sleeping in. Going to bed late.
Which was why resuming work felt like a Herculean task. But all it took was me succeeding in dragging myself to the bathroom and taking a shower, then suddenly the day brightened up. I was actually looking forward to going back.
I am lucky and I love my job. I will even go as far as saying that I love the people I work with.
So, I was happy to be back. By the time I got into the building and saw Silvinia, the very beautiful receptionist, wearing her signature bright red lipstick, my lungs filled with that all-familiar adrenaline… A bit of chitchat with her. Vlad came in and gave me a big hug and the two-cheeked Spanish kiss. I got into the lift with 4 colleagues and in the 3 minutes it took me to get to the 16th floor, I had given a summary of my brother’s wedding and how much of a great time I had. I had also gleaned a summary of their respective summer holidays. Hugs and kisses thrown in here and there for good measure… My day began!
I had missed these people. I had missed work. Does that make me weird?
First session of the day; 4 gentlemen from Research and Development, 2 from Concessions, 2 from HR and 2 ladies from the Presidency. Again, a bit of chitchat. A more detailed summary of my brother’s wedding (with photos). I asked about their holidays and they shared a bit. Then one of them, Matt, announced that he is depressed. I asked why and he explained that usually after the holidays, he gets the depression for a few weeks…
I smiled sympathetically. But, my mind revolted at the idea.
He had a great holidays. He actually went sailing, with his own boat. With his family. Splendid weather, good food, great wine (in his own words). He spent time with family and friends and he got the chance to do something that most people only dream of.
But there was a part of him that told him that going back to work was something bad. And as he entertained the thoughts, depression set in. I have been told that depression is not something you can ever explain, and I understand that. But I am still of the belief that what you think, you become.
And, I have been thinking since:
A few weeks ago, we had social media buzzing with images of parents celebrating and jubilating their kids going back to school. And, we saw some images of teachers with long faces…
As these parents rejoiced at the thought of taking a breather from the obviously exhausting task of taking care of their young ones, there were some whose hearts twisted with yearning. If only they had a child.
While the teachers worried at the task of having the kids back to school full time, there are people who wished that they could get a change of jobs.
As Matt fought his depression at the thought of going back to work, there were people who would give an arm and a leg to have a job. Any job at all.
While Mary frowned at the traffic jam, there were people who wished for a car.
As Jim silently wondered why his wife was taking so long to get ready for church, there were young men wishing for wives.
As Marta prayed for a husband of her own, there are women praying for ways to get out of their marital situations…
I can go on and on, but you already get the picture, right?
Life is what you make of it. It will bring you some things you desire, and will make you wait for some others. And for some others, it will say no and give you something else. And then, there will be times, when you will get nothing, nada.
So, dearest one, when you have to go back to school or to work, do it with joy and be thankful for the chance to get a break. Before you sigh with relief when your kids go back to school, let your lips utter a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of children. Before you complain about how difficult and depressing it is for you to go back to work, please remember kindly people who are desperately looking for jobs.
No matter what they tell you, nobody has it all. But, complaining about what they don’t have has never helped anyone, yet.
And in the place of complaining, fill your heart with gratitude for the things you have, while you strive for the ones that are yet to come.
Having said that, may your back to school and back to work transition be smooth and without depression. May your routines never become dreary and boring. May your heart stay thankful for all you receive as you work for all that you still desire.
#TME
