Life happens during a PhD, and it will always happen
Life will be better after a PhD; it's never going to be
A compassionate letter to future myself:
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I was taught that life improves after 10th grade and again after 12th grade, so now I must consider the future I want. Prioritising the present and managing pain has rarely been emphasised, along with what must be done now. There is not much of a bright side once one exam ends; another follows, and another. They keep arriving, with no end date for these tests. It is an endless cycle that continues. Keep coping as it arrives, and eventually it will pass.
Today I am 34 years old, and certain aspects of life emerge at this age; rather than ignoring them, I keep moving and accept the challenges. There should be no expectation that tomorrow will be better, so deal with it — deal with it compassionately. Whatever occurs, the pain and the good, keep enjoying. Do not wait for the next moment to be happy.
