Hello, my name is Amanda. And every time people ask how I am, I can’t stand it (that’s another post for another day). But, the easiest answer for me (especially around finals week) is a shrug of the shoulders, a melodramatic sigh, and the words, “I’m tired.”
Hello, my name is Amanda. And every time people ask how I am, I can’t stand it (that’s another post for another day). But, the easiest answer for me (especially around finals week) is a shrug of the shoulders, a melodramatic sigh, and the words, “I’m tired.”
It is so “in” for us to always complain about how tired we are.
When I worked at camp this past summer, my boss told us one of the main rules was that we weren’t allowed to complain about being tired. Why? Because literally everyone else is too!! Maybe they aren’t in this specific moment; maybe you’re the Suzy Sunshine walking around campus grinning ear to ear. But, a lot of the time, you’re going to be the person juggling three thousand things and trying to hold it together whilst running on three hours of sleep.
I’m a graphic design major. Next to nursing majors, there’s rumor that all-nighters are going to be a regular occurrence in my future.
So, does that make it okay for me to start out conversations with AH, I’M SO TIRED? No!
During October, I thought I was going to absolutely lose it. After chapel, I practically ran to a safe, isolated area and opened up my Bible and did emergency devos because I low-key felt like screaming bloody murder and just passing out. I asked God to show me a passage that would teach me what He knew I needed. What did He lead me to? I read all of Phillipians; but the thing that stuck out to me was the verse about doing all things without grumbling or disputing.
You can ask Rachel. There was one day I was especially salty and kept muttering and groaning. Every time I did I gave a little chuckle and shrieked, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing! No! I’m going to be happy. I’m going to be positive. Be optimistic!”
It might be one of those fake-it-till-you-make it, especially if you’re in your senior year or you’re a nursing major. Or if you’re just a human.
But, instead of focusing on how tired you are, turn it around. Start a gratitude list about all the other great things about your day. Then open your eyes to the other people around you who are also dead tired and do something special for them. Buy them a coffee, doodle a Bible verse, send them a verse, send them a text with reasons why you love them, give them a shoutout on Instagram.
It’s amazing how, when you focus on other people, your own problems can seem so small.
So, the next time you want to say “I’m so tired . . .” internally shriek NO GRUMBLING and then counteract it with a positive thought or two.
I’m POSITIVE it’ll make all the difference in the world.
