This weekend I took one of the most hellish departmental qualifying exams for my doctoral program. I must say that for the past month or so I have really be in full grind mode because the exam covers SO much material (content spanning 7 subjects within mechanical engineering). But thanks to the grace and mercy of God it is finished, over, and done with. Finally, life as we know it may resume.
My life prior to now consisted of sleeping, studying, eating, studying, eating, studying, sleeping, and repeat (with all of the things in between). I had to make a few sacrifices for the sake of dedicating time and efforts to preparing including going out on the weekends, traveling home or even communicating consistently with my family and friends, practicing my photography or executing photo projects, and sorting through my long list of photo albums. It was a long strenuous process to prepare for that exam, and my efforts will not go unrecognized.
While I wait to hear the results from my examination, I will continuously cross things off of my to-do list. I have so many ideas and dreams that must be fulfilled. I have so many things to say to others, so many things to do, and things I need to do to work on myself (mind, body, soul, and spirit).
Be on the look out for more posts about my photography, my fashion (outward beauty), and my creations in the kitchen. I recently invested in a Crock-Pot so I may have a few cuisines featured with the tag #CrockpotCreations.
Let's get it!
Until next time,
Maleshia J.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
My Life May Resume
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Monday, October 20, 2014
Monday: The Pressure
Monday...
It’s very easy for doubt to creep in when things aren’t looking up in your immediate future. I’m just not feeling it right now. It has me feeling like maybe this just isn’t for me right now. It will all be over soon, soon enough, but will I be ready. Sometimes, I have to look off into the distance just to keep myself from crying/shedding a tear. I know I’m not alone in this, I’m highly favored, but I can’t help but feel these emotions as I go through the motions of trying to figure out how to make it through. This is a very stressful time for me. My own self-imposed pressures are what is weighing me down at the moment. I do not feel confident, no matter how much I tell myself. It just doesn’t stop. It’s only Monday…
I will get through this. I should definitely take a double-take, maybe even triple-take at one of my favorite scriptures Philippians 4:13 which simply says:
"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."
He strengthens my mind, body, and soul. Thank you Lord. I believe it and I will not give up. I will try my best. It’s just that getting to that end point and visualizing myself at the end of the road has proven very difficult for me. My qualifying exam is scheduled for this weekend.
My current obstacles/challenges/struggles:
Side Note: Jhene Aiko's latest album "Souled Out" has been the business for me this past week.
Until next time,
Maleshia J.
It’s very easy for doubt to creep in when things aren’t looking up in your immediate future. I’m just not feeling it right now. It has me feeling like maybe this just isn’t for me right now. It will all be over soon, soon enough, but will I be ready. Sometimes, I have to look off into the distance just to keep myself from crying/shedding a tear. I know I’m not alone in this, I’m highly favored, but I can’t help but feel these emotions as I go through the motions of trying to figure out how to make it through. This is a very stressful time for me. My own self-imposed pressures are what is weighing me down at the moment. I do not feel confident, no matter how much I tell myself. It just doesn’t stop. It’s only Monday…
I will get through this. I should definitely take a double-take, maybe even triple-take at one of my favorite scriptures Philippians 4:13 which simply says:
"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."
He strengthens my mind, body, and soul. Thank you Lord. I believe it and I will not give up. I will try my best. It’s just that getting to that end point and visualizing myself at the end of the road has proven very difficult for me. My qualifying exam is scheduled for this weekend.
My current obstacles/challenges/struggles:
- PhD Qualifying exam
- Lack of focused state of mind and proper study environment(s) or study zones
- Feelings of inadequacy and unconfidence
- Mentally exhausted
- Unsure about what I want to research or am 100% passionate about
- Life at home
Side Note: Jhene Aiko's latest album "Souled Out" has been the business for me this past week.
Until next time,
Maleshia J.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Are You Really Living?
Live (verb)
to have life, as an organism; be alive; be capable of vital functions; to continue to have life; remain alive; to continue in existence, operation, memory, etc.; to last; to maintain or support one's existence; provide for oneself; to feed or subsist (usually followed by on or upon ); to enjoy life to the fullest
Live (adjective)
living; full of life, energy or activity
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As I sit here in my living room on my laptop and watch an assortment of television programs, I make exchanges between my computer screen and my mother, who is relaxing on the couch along with me. My mind begins to wander about the idea of life. We, as individuals, are all placed on this earth for a specific purpose; what it is exactly is what we have to find out. This is something that I've mentioned numerous times for it holds true.
I began to ask myself, "What is the difference between the state of me and my mom?" *Note: I am only using my mom as an example because she is somewhat the inspiration for this post.* The major difference is that I am actively working towards something for the betterment of myself (college degree, grad school, work experience). Now, I understand that this difference does not take into consideration what my mom's goals may be or what she's actively working towards, but from my perspective it just seems like it is all routine to make ends meet. Wake up. Shower and get dressed. Go to work, school, or whatever may occupy your time. Come home. Eat dinner. Watch TV or use the Internet. Go to sleep. Wake up and repeat.
It all becomes second nature to the point that you begin to forget about your passions, the things that drive you to tackle the next big thing, the next big project, the next big dream, and the next big goal. Living should be about actively working towards a better tomorrow and living your life to the fullest. With each day, routine or not, I feel that we all should get at least one step closer to what makes us happy.
Check this out:
“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”
to have life, as an organism; be alive; be capable of vital functions; to continue to have life; remain alive; to continue in existence, operation, memory, etc.; to last; to maintain or support one's existence; provide for oneself; to feed or subsist (usually followed by on or upon ); to enjoy life to the fullest
Live (adjective)
living; full of life, energy or activity
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
As I sit here in my living room on my laptop and watch an assortment of television programs, I make exchanges between my computer screen and my mother, who is relaxing on the couch along with me. My mind begins to wander about the idea of life. We, as individuals, are all placed on this earth for a specific purpose; what it is exactly is what we have to find out. This is something that I've mentioned numerous times for it holds true.
I began to ask myself, "What is the difference between the state of me and my mom?" *Note: I am only using my mom as an example because she is somewhat the inspiration for this post.* The major difference is that I am actively working towards something for the betterment of myself (college degree, grad school, work experience). Now, I understand that this difference does not take into consideration what my mom's goals may be or what she's actively working towards, but from my perspective it just seems like it is all routine to make ends meet. Wake up. Shower and get dressed. Go to work, school, or whatever may occupy your time. Come home. Eat dinner. Watch TV or use the Internet. Go to sleep. Wake up and repeat.
It all becomes second nature to the point that you begin to forget about your passions, the things that drive you to tackle the next big thing, the next big project, the next big dream, and the next big goal. Living should be about actively working towards a better tomorrow and living your life to the fullest. With each day, routine or not, I feel that we all should get at least one step closer to what makes us happy.
Check this out:
“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”
-Horace, Ode I-XI "Carpe Diem"
In whatever you do, always remember to seize the day and live your life to the fullest, no matter what your circumstances may be. Cherish each moment, love, laugh, and live fruitfully.
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Before I close out this post, I pose this last question to you: Are you really living?
In whatever you do, always remember to seize the day and live your life to the fullest, no matter what your circumstances may be. Cherish each moment, love, laugh, and live fruitfully.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Before I close out this post, I pose this last question to you: Are you really living?
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carpe diem,
Horace,
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living,
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purpose,
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