I See You: A #TruthMoment for Women on the Dissertation Journey
I usually sit down to write my Monday morning emails on Saturdays. I like for the words I share to be timely, relevant, and rooted in inspiration.
But this past week? Life was packed. Saturday came and went without me finding time to draft my words for you.
So here I am, in a true #truthmoment, writing at 5:38 a.m. on Monday morning with my heart pounding, my mind racing, trying to figure out the “right words” in time for my 6:30 a.m. release.
And just as I wrapped up my morning meditation, the right words came to me:
I SEE YOU.
Yes—you.
I see the sleepless nights, tossing and turning, wondering when—or if—you will finish this dissertation.
I see the perplexed look as you try to figure out when, in your already busy schedule, you’ll actually have time to write.
I see the struggle of trying to make the finances finance as you face another semester in your program, promising yourself that this will be the semester when you are finally done.
I SEE YOU because I’ve been there. Those same thoughts once held me captive along my own dissertation journey.
(One day soon I’ll share the full story of when and how I made it through—maybe next week!)
But for now, here’s what I want you to know:
You are not alone in what you’re feeling.
The space and place you are in right now is not permanent.
Not only do I see you, but I am proud of you.
It’s now 5:48 a.m. as I wrap this up. I still have to proofread and hit send before my self-imposed deadline (cue yawn + smile). But I couldn’t let this moment pass without reminding you:
You are seen. You are capable. You are not alone. And you will finish.
JOIN the Just Write Momentum Challenge — kicking off Monday, 8/18. Let’s build consistent writing habits together.
EXPLORE the song “Strength, Courage, and Wisdom” performed by India Arie. This is my “I can get this dissertation done!” Anthem.
REFLECT what is your “I can get this dissertation done!” Anthem? When you need a little bit of inspiration, play your anthem.
Let’s keep moving forward—together. Let’s Just Write.
