Seasons Change

Three months ago, I celebrated my new status as a PhD. Now, I am enduring the challenges that comes with becoming a professional with this new status in an environment where tough skin is a requirement. Failure is inevitable. I experienced the satisfaction a person would feel when reaching the top of a mountain peak after a hard, long climb in one season. Now, I am experiencing the angst that comes when realizing that one did not see the mountain peak hiding behind the first one. The climb up the second peak is just as tough. It's curvier, have ice and snow along the path, and even some wild animals that look dangerous. Some of the tools used to get the top of the first peak are needed to conquer the second peak, but a new set is needed. Without a pit stop or resting lounge in sight, where is a climber suppose to pick up these tools?

A climb up a mountain peak in the summertime is very different from a climb up a mountain peak in autumn, and especially more treacherous in the wintertime. Although there are elements to contend with in each season, some of these elements may be preferred over others. Personally, I prefer cold weather instead of hot, humid weather. I prefer to see the wild animals so I can avoid them instead of the annoying mosquitos that buzz around my head and bite me without warning.

The good news is that I am familiar and do not mind the weather. Without the tools necessary to make the second climb and unable to see those pesky critters, I look at that second peak wonder how the heck I am going to make the climb without falling off the cliff. I can look behind me, smile, and see that I successfully conquered one peak. So, I know I can do it. The question is how many more peaks do I have to climb before climbing becomes second nature.