As we near the end of the semester, we are given the opportunity to reflect on all that we have accomplished in the past few months.
With finals looming, it can be easy to get caught up in all that we have yet to do. The to-do list piles on, the Canvas notations never end and deadlines haunt us like the pile of laundry in the corner of our room.
In times like these, I often find myself referring back to my favorite saying, “this too shall pass.” The adage, originating from Persian folklore and ancient scripture, refers to the temporary nature of the human condition. By repeating this mantra in my head, I am reminded that everything I am experiencing now that is hindering my ability to find peace will not last forever. We have all made it through our hardest days; despite all the bad grades, missed appointments and heartbreaks that felt like they were the end of the world.
I think it's funny that with the end of the school year in our sights everything feels so much more urgent. Accomplishing the two final exams, three final papers and group project I have hanging over me feels like grasping at straws. Whereas if I had these responsibilities in the middle of the semester, everything would feel normal and it's likely I could get them done no with problem. We must remind ourselves that it's only a matter of time — these final three weeks will pass and you will be totally fine, no matter the outcome.
With the temporary nature of human experience, unfortunately, good things pass as well. There is no way to preserve the feeling of singing in the car with your best friend on the first warm day of the spring semester by locking it in a little box and keeping it forever — though I wish there was. How nice would it be to have the physical entrapments of all our highs to find respite in while dredging through our lows?
In this regard, “this too shall pass” reminds us to cherish these moments, no matter how big or small because life is incredibly fleeting. We cultivate the experiences we have and are left with a life that feels fulfilled, something we all deserve.