I'll Be There Next Time -Song Whittington

    There are moments in life where we chose solitude over socializing, productivity over pleasure, or getting ahead over getting together. Now, there is nothing wrong with being productive, with seizing the day and putting in extra work. Yet, how many times has "I'll be there next time," turned into the next, or the next? Perhaps next week? Or the next one after that. No, no you'll be there next month, next year/ Next time may never come and in light of catastrophic events it may be more than procrastination that makes "next time" become "never." The town of Oran is unappealing, seemingly insignificant, but it is the focus of our tale. The townsfolk had their life swept out from under them like a magician's trick gone wrong. It all tumbles and crashes to the ground, and everyone scrambles for a sense of freedom, peace, and normalcy. 
    Sounds awfully familiar, don't you think? This book is well-timed in today's circumstances where three or so years ago it would have been nothing more than a piece of literature. The current pandemic leads people scrambling for anything solid to grasp onto. That meet-up next week got canceled. The "I'll make it to the next one," doesn't happen and this time it isn't the procrastination. Mundane things we overlooked and opted out of become longed for. Simple meet-ups, eating out with family, holiday gatherings. The simplest things once pushed aside as mundane are now a comfort when they can be accomplished. 
    Pandemics are not the only things to make you appreciate the mundane things in life. Today reminded me of how blessed I am, most days, to be able to get out of bed and go about my day with minimum struggle. How did today remind me of such? By stripping me of the ability to do so. Some people here might know what executive dysfunction is, and to those who don't, well, you're the lucky ones. While my alarm went off at 8:40 AM as always, I was unable to leave my bed until around 4:30 this afternoon. I missed both of my classes and only after finally forcing myself out of bed - after hours of trying to, mind you - I was able to eat a bowl of microwave mac'n'cheese. Today was hard, to say the least. I had to remind myself that the fact that I got out of bed was an accomplishment. I ate, I got up, I walked around. I cannot beat myself up over what was lost today, because I can't go back and fix it. My body shut down on me and I have to deal with that. I was able to get up - hours later as it was - and I'm proud that I was able to. If all I was able to do was breathe today, that would have been enough. 
    My point is, plague, disability, or otherwise, don't take the small things for granted. Go out there, go hang out. Don't wait until "next time," because something might happen and that next time won't be an option. Seize the day while you have it. Trust me, it'll be worth it. 

~Ria

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Comments

  1. Samantha TFebruary 14, 2022 at 11:45 PM

    Song, I appreciate the reflectiveness of this post. These past few years have brought to light what truly matters and what does not. What will we regret more when we are old, skipping class on a random Monday, or not speaking to someone one last time? Human connection is such a big part of who I am as a person and only this pandemic brought it to the forefront of my mind.
    Additionally I'd like to say I'm proud that you achieved things today no matter what you might've planned for today. Life is hard, allow yourself grace to try again.
    Lastly, I love your blog titles... Is this one an AJR reference?

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