Consider this : the time will pass anyway.

June 6, 2010 in Uncategorized

Many many years ago, I was trying to decide whether to go to law school. I had a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and worked as a legal secretary, the only job I could get. Over the course of a year I realized that the law was something I was interested in. But if I went to law school, I would have to pay for it myself, which meant I would have to work full time and go at night. It would take at least another 4 years.

I decided to apply, and when I actually got accepted I panicked about what to do. So, I did what any mature, confident young woman would do.

I called my mother.

I earnestly explained to her my dilemma – “Mom, I’ll be 26 years old when I get out of law school!” which, at that point in my life, seemed REALLY old.

My mother paused, and very calmly said “But Susan, you’ll be 26 whether you’re in law school or not.” I went to law school.

So my advice to you, Emma, is that when confronted with a challenge that will take a lot of your time, don’t focus on how much time it will take. Focus on whether it’s how you want to spend your time. Because the time will pass anyway.

-Sue Meisinger

Many thanks to Sue for this wonderful advice…. Sue and I worked together for years at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), back in the day.

I am gathering wisdom from the far corners of the earth to give my older daughter, Emma, as she graduates from high school. What would you say to her? Or to your own 17-year-old self? What thoughts would you ask her to consider? You can submit your advice (instructions here) and 37 of those will be posted over the next 37 days, one each day, culminating in a free e-book of all the submissions (whether posted during these 37 days or not) after her graduation on June 14th…. and possibly in a print book as well.

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

1 comment to " Consider this : the time will pass anyway. "


Beth

June 7, 2010 AT 9:46AM

Wow. I love That! What exquisitely simple logic!

Where was Sue’s mom when I was debating whether to go back to med school and thought, “Geez, I’ll be 40 before I’ll be a resident!”

Guess who turned 40 last year? Guess who doesn’t get to wear one of those cool white coats? I mean, legitimately. : o )

Emma, your mom has clearly raised an amazing young woman, but I love that you’re being fortified with all this extra advice before you embark on the next big journey! It’s very helpful to we “old” folks, too.

Thank you, Patti!