Sunshine and Dissertations

No matter how dark the storm, the sun will shine, again. Know that whatever challenges you face in life, and in your dissertation, this, too, shall pass…

A few days ago I shared the story of an unexpected rain I experienced in my life when my last surviving grandparent died. Today, I attended her funeral, and it was more sunshine than rain.

Family and friends told stories and reminisced. Laughter rang out. Heads were held high more than they were bowed.

A life was lost, but Life was affirmed.

As you move through the dissertation process, don’t lose track of your  successes along the way. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate even though the work is not finished.

We encourage our students to acknowledge and really celebrate when each chapter is completed, when a committee member approves a draft document, the IRB approves an application, when the first piece of data is collected.

These are all milestones on the path to graduation. Each deserves recognition and appreciation. You deserve to celebrate the victory.

It can be all too easy to just keep your head down. To keep trudging on through the long, dark night. Don’t let yourself fall into this dynamic.

Whatever rain you experience, it’s followed by the sun. Reward yourself. Celebrate. Recharge for the next storm to come.