Things had to change.
After five years of studying theory at uni, it was time to put knowledge into practice.
So I started a new job a few weeks ago. Actually, my first job ever. I am a teacher at a school nearby and the next 1.5 years I’ll be in training. People will watch and evaluate my teaching, there will be lots of late nights preparing and many early mornings.
I had heard quite a bit of rumors and horror stories about these years.
“You won’t have a life during this time.”
“You’ll just live for school.”
So obviously I wasn’t that thrilled when I had to get up at 5.30 am for the first time in many years.
I would cut all my extra curricular activities, no more social work.
I would limit my relationships because I wouldn’t have time for people.
I have to be an adult now. But is that really what it’s like?
Shortly after I started working I met a friend for lunch and she said something that stuck with me:
“Don’t stop living. Keep the things in your life that keep you alive.”
I guess we all know situations that drain our energy.
You might live through such a phase of life right now.
You only go from day to day.
You function, but you don’t live.
And slowly by slowly you realize joy has left the house called your heart.
Don’t cut off everything.
Yes, life is not just about fun and easy going.
Yes, there are times that really challenge us and take our energy.
But keep going.
Keep the things and people in your life that push you forward.
That touch something inside of you, below the surface.
In German, we have a verb for that: “beleben” – it gives life to you.
Keep life inside of you.
This might mean a good night’s sleep.
A coffee date with a friend.
Reading an encouraging and exciting book.
Going for a run.
In my case this means lots of cooking.
Playing music in a band.
Leading worship at church.
Practicing my administrational skills at organizing congresses.
Find what gives life to you.
Small things everyday, bigger things once in a while.
Don’t just function.
Live!
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Friday means five minute of free writing over at Kate Motaung‘s place – come and join us!
thisiskatha.com 
Yes, that's a good example! Enjoy bird watching and photographing and don't let life steal that from you! Thanks for coming by!
Great advice! While there is a lot that we can let go of when we need to, there are definitely important things that we must keep! I need to keep birds in my life 😉 Sounds silly, but I adore looking for and photographing birds–such marvels of God's creation that never fail to bring a smile to myself. Television, now that's easy to give up!
Thanks, Beth!
Love this post, especially this… “Keep the things and people in your life that push you forward.
That touch something inside of you, below the surface.” Good word…thank you!
Thanks, Damaris! And yes, let's meet up soon!
Ich mag deine Einträge, Katha, du kreativer Kopf 🙂 “Gefällt mir……” 🙂
btw: What about a good workout at the gym soon? 😉
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Thank, Jamie!
I love your post. This took me back to the beginning of my career as I came out of college and entered into the “real world.” I was terrified for what I would be leaving behind and, I'll admit, it took me some time to do this: “Keep the things and people in your life that push you forward.
That touch something inside of you, below the surface.” – but once I figured this out…once I remembered that life isn't always about being serious or serving 100% of the time…I could breathe. Enjoy those things you decide to keep. And my prayers go with you into this new endeavor. Visiting from FMF today – and so glad that I did!
“it gives life to you” LOVE THAT! For me life giving things are my quiet time in the word while listening to music, coffee with friends, and writing. Thanks for sharing and for the reminder to not give up on what gives us life!