Do you sometimes wish things were easy? Work that doesn’t make you sweat, a marriage without disagreements, and quiet children without a need for anything sounds ideal.
How about a straightforward process of electing Kamala Harris to the office of President of the United States? She could make history as the first Black and Indian woman to hold the position. However, we know an election without contention is a fantasy.
Easy is incongruent with parenting, falling in love, and politics.
Last week, I shared how I traveled to Switzerland to present at an academic conference. I surprised my wife for her birthday and purchased her airline ticket to join me. For eight days, I exercised in the morning, focused on my work during the day, and enjoyed uninterrupted time with my wife in the evening.
Traveling to Europe with your spouse in August seems perfect. The weather is mild, museums are open, and the restaurant options are endless.
Indeed, my wife and I enjoyed a reprieve from our usual responsibilities. We walked along the Rhine River, ate meals around Basel’s historic center, and talked on levels without concern for our children’s ears. Thanks to friends in Antigua, the children stayed home, and we reconnected.
While the trip was nice, it wasn’t perfect. Although plenty of people in Switzerland speak multiple languages, including English, we had some challenges with communication. We got lost and almost found ourselves at a bus stop in Germany.
You might cry if I showed you the receipts for food and other expenses not covered by the university.
Are you surprised to hear any complaints from someone who just returned from a European adventure and lives on a tropical island? I feel blessed and grateful for traveling and living experiences outside the US, but don’t be fooled.
I live in a tropical climate where jackets are optional, with work that provides opportunities to travel. My three attractive children have athletic and intellectual skills. I have a beautiful, brilliant wife who is an entrepreneur and a phenomenal cook.
Mornings start with gratitude. In my journal, I often write about how grateful I am for my health, family, and the present moment.
But, hold on, here comes the transparency and vulnerability.
We still have too much financial debt. Credit card and student loan balances remain higher than preferred. My wife and I always pay more than the minimum due, but it is never enough.
Money is tight with three children in private schools and the expenses associated with living abroad. Our bills are covered, but beyond that, financial matters are not flexible.
My life is imperfect despite the images that appear online when you google my name or scroll through social media posts.
I have moments like you when I don’t want to get out of bed. The thought of a gruesome workout ahead, followed by a full day of work alongside parenting and partnering duties, is intimidating. On some mornings, I would rather sleep and avoid the inevitable difficulties.
But… like you, I have a job to do.
Discipline is vital to success. I must push beyond my levels of comfort. People depend on me to get up and go.
My family needs me to work, and students need me to help them master medical content for their future careers. I am a father and husband in the business of preparing others to save lives. So, regardless of how I feel, I get out of bed.
Like you, I can’t allow my feelings to interfere with progress. Is it easy? No, but we are gritty in every sense of the word.
Daily improvements remain consistent goals.
The participants in my session provided me with a surplus of positive feedback. Some suggested it was one of the best presentations at the conference, but I can’t accept that perspective completely. I recognize the strengths of my work, but I refuse to ignore the shortcomings and will polish the content and delivery for the next opportunity to encourage creativity in education.
I sometimes wish things were easy, but it’s just not a reality. Trump and his cronies will do anything to prevent Harris from getting into office. There will always be expenses associated with a valuable life.
Challenges cause concern. They also provide us with opportunities to discover solutions. Sometimes, a shift in perspective is all we need to see and appreciate the complications of life.
Watch the video below to see footage from my presentation at the AMEE 2024 conference in Basel, Switzerland.
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