2014 is the fourth year into my PhD so ideally I should submit my thesis as soon as possible. This is both an exciting but also a very challenging year for me. I am looking forward to finishing my PhD but this then raises the question of what lies next???
I have been very stressed because of this – the idea of not knowing what is next after PhD. I am constantly overwhelmed by uncertainties: Am I going to get a job? Will I still be able to live in Australia? Where will my life be? Am I going to be okay?
Sometimes these questions drowned me, consumed me, making me feel suffocated. These doubts made me foggy and lead to a chain of negativity. I became fixated and focused only on the problems and negatives. I tend to forget that the future is out of my control. I mean I will still work hard towards my goal but I also have to trust that whatever happens is for the better of me.
Letting go of that control is liberating!
If you are reading this and going through the same stress, what I can advice are:
1) Let go of the questions/stress/doubts.
2) Settle one problem at a time. Don’t get bombarded and got consumed.
3) Trust.
Like the photo, I can’t see what it’s on the other side of the bridge. I guess I have 2 choices: 1) being too intimidated and stop walking but I am always going to wonder what it could be like. 2) Keep marching on and I will find out and deal with it then.
When I am stressed like this I find that knowing and trusting God is comforting. Many things that happen in life are out of our control. I trust God that whatever happens (be it what I hope for or not) is for the better of me.
‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’ – Matthew 6:34
I hope this article can be a blessing to you in some ways 🙂
Very encouraging Suri! 🙂 It takes courage to bring this thing up on the surface. Keep praying and will be praying for your future plans.
Thanks for the kind comment Berto! 🙂 Thanks for the prayers too!
Hi Suri! Glad to see you here! You know what, when I arrived home today, I set myself a goal of making things in control, well mainly towards work. My first year kinder teacher life is meant to be stressful and full of unknown and changes. But you are right, trust in Lord who provide us strength and live out for his glory, I think that’s how life can become so meaningful and peaceful. Hope to see you soon 🙂 Josephine
Hey Josephine! Thanks for your kind comments 🙂 I was comptemplating of whether to put this post up or not. It felt like it’s all about Me Me Me…but I am glad it provided some comfort for you too. You’re right! I guess life is always full of unknown and changes but in the end, I think we can rejoice as there’s hope! & everything happens for a reason…Hmmm…Catch ya soon! 😀
Very good! yes we face the same struggle everyday, everytime. Like endless burden and challenges like you said Trust or better to say have faith in Him and also “fighting” for the role you are, the job you are in , being the best version of God want you to be! thanks for this article…
Thanks Herli! Yes, have faith in Him!
Changes in live are always a step into the unknown and uncertainty. Finishing the study, changing the job, taking the step from employment to self employment, and finally taking the decision to retire. Very often this uncertainty is amplified because the missing of a clear goal. Now your goal is clear, finishing your thesis and promote. I would not be too much worry what’s after. You are now in a transition and once you are finish with your thesis you can focus on new goals, new opportunities will open and the now defuse future will get clear. A deserved break after achievement helps often too to refocus and set new goals. I wish you all the luck and I’m sure god will help you too to find the way as long as you keep eyes and ears wide open.
Thanks so much Erwin for your encouragement and wisdom! And thanks for the well wishes too. I really appreciate it. I love when people comments on my blog – it gives me the extra energy and comfort to accomplish my tasks. Yes I agree, baby steps (one step at a time). Sometimes I think too much – that’s always been my problems :p Thanksss!
It’s a great pleasure to communicate with you. And the dynamic of this blogging is somehow amazing. You connect with people it would never happen outside this area and you can make new friends and having common friends :). I have just seen today that Indah has also me nominated to post for the 5 destination I would visit again. I’m working hard on it. I’m struggling with English.
Thanks so much for your kind comments! I really appreciate it 🙂 These comments mean a lot to me and gives me extra strength to write more. I am glad you find this blog amazing! I was worried that people do not find the blog useful or interesting. I am so happy and grateful that you keep on commenting. I am happy that we can for a friendship too! Yes, I saw on Indah’s post that you were nominated. Your English is good! Do not worry too much 🙂 Keep on writing – Practice makes perfect. If you need any help with English, let me know 🙂 Although I learnt English as my second language as well so I am not sure if I can be of much help. But if it is within my strength, I’d definitely loved to help. Excited to read on your post about the 5 destinations!
Thank you so much Suri, this is very kind of you. I have written about 2 pages, then got the email and seen the other post that they were fairly short. I was really not sure so I have sent the text to Elena and ask her. She is very ok with it so I will go ahead. I would really appreciate it if you could proof read it. This is so kind from you and you can be sure once I will say this was proofread from Dr. Tan 🙂 I’m honoured. Would you like I email it to you or should I post it?
You’re very welcome Erwin! It’s great to help each other. Of course, I can definitely proof read it for you 🙂 But it is actually getting late here – midnight already. So I am heading to bed soon. But I will definitely read it first thing in the morning, I promise! It is up to you – you can either email or post it. If you’re happy with the post, you can just post it I guess and I will read it from your blog. If not, you can always email me and I will reply ASAP (tomorrow morning) 🙂 Hope that helps…
Thank you so much Suri. Of course tomorrow. I thought its late for you. Go to bed and have a good night sleep. I will email it to you guess it’s the easiest way in word. This is great. Thank you so much Suri, I really appreciate it. Good night. Don’t wait go to sleep now. 🙂
Hi Erwin, thanks so much for sending me your article for me to proofread. Thanks for having the confidence and trust on me 🙂 I really appreciate it too. I am glad I could be of help too!
All thanks are on my side Suri. You are a great help and it’s a great pleasure to communicate with you and having you as friend. 🙂
You’re most welcome! Pleasure is all mine as well having to know you and exchange experiences. Please let me know if you need more help in the future…if I can help, I will 🙂
Thank you so much Suri. This is very kind of you. The same is for you, if you need any help for something I can du for you just let me know. If I can it’s the pleasure to help you.
Thanks so much Erwin! For sure! 🙂 I will let you know if I need any 🙂