Another break is around the corner: just out of reach. Many things can be expected from this well-deserved rest; perhaps you will decide to spend time with family, friends, or both. Or, you might prefer to spend extra time soaking up the luxury of staying in bed. In whatever you choose, hold on to that possible morsel of hope. 

Despite the beginning of the new quarter, things may feel out of hand as tests, quizzes, and assignments fill our minds with an overwhelming racket. Although this may be a common occurrence, knowing that a break is underway might give you the strength to face a long day.  

I often will push myself despite feeling unwell, whether it be physically or mentally. I do this with the mindset that I will be happier later— after I have completed all that needs to be done to utmost perfection. After I get into college, I’ll be happy. After I find success in a career of my passion, I’ll be happy. After I make something out of myself, I’ll be happy. It’s always later that I claim that I will be happy. To be honest, I truly believed that delaying gratification for the future was the way to go. 

However, in doing this, I realized I’ll never be happy. Happiness will always be an idea that lies in the future. We often idealize our happiness, but by doing this, when it happens, the joy might be brief, and the next thing to wish for always follows. 

My advice is: don’t put it off. Find the bright side to uncomfortable situations, and when it feels like there is no way out, let yourself sit in your emotions and reflect. Who you are as a person and what you offer by being your happiest self can go a much longer way than you might expect.