Skip to main content

The Art of Slogging

When I lived in Manila, I had a couple coworkers from commonwealth countries who would occasionally use the phrase "slogging on." It usually provoked a smile out of those listening because the word is not commonly used outside of commonwealth dialects like British or Aussie English. When asked for a definition, the reply is something along the lines of "pushing through even though it's really messy and imperfect and probably uncomfortable or frustrating." Synonyms might include trudging, plodding, walking heavily, or laboring. 

We're halfway through 2020 and I can't think of a more appropriate word for how we're handing it: slogging. Absolutely slogging through 2020 -- every last one of us! Everyone on the planet has entered a reality we could hardly fathom just 6 months ago. There are no easy answers, but everyone seems to have an opinion. The stakes are high on many fronts and in a few areas like public education, there simply doesn't seem to be ANY answer that is "good enough." Tomorrow, my state will find out the fate of the public school system which will have repercussions on nearly everyone regardless of how closely tied we might be to a school-aged child.

The fact of the matter is, this thing isn't going away any time soon and some parts of life have to keep moving forward. So what's a girl to do? I think we're being forced to slog. But how? How do we move forward meaningfully when so much is up in the air? I don't have any real answers to all the big questions, but I can tell you this: we as a collective human generation cannot afford to get stuck where we are. There's simply too much at stake to give up and give in to whatever comforts feel good right now but could devastate us later. The statistics coming out on depression rates, pornography usage, chemical use and abuse, and human trafficking demands during COVID are enough to make you sick. But they're really not surprising when you think about it: humans cope with stress in one of three ways: fight, flight, or freeze. The numbing effects might provide a temporary "flight" out of what we're experiencing, but they're not helping anyone in the long run. We have to cope better. And if we can embrace some simple ideas, perhaps we'll fare better than those who are lost in chemical abuse, illicit activities, and unchecked mental health crises. 

We have to learn to slog on. 

So, from one fellow slogger to another, here is my rendition of the art of slogging. 

S: Surrender your expectations. 
I realize that if you know me, this might be something to laugh at. Jacque? The one who always has like six back-up plans and calculates all possible outcomes and a strategic way forward practically in her sleep? Yes. I'm saying get rid of them -- or at least a lot of them. Here's why -- our expectations set us up for disappointment. A tip of the hat on this one goes straight to Lysa TerKeurst. If our expectations are really high and reality doesn't match, the gap between them is disappointment. The higher you set your expectations, the greater the risk of disappointment. Disappointment is a heavy load to carry and while it isn't entirely unavoidable, we can practice wisdom and choose what we will and will not hold to a high standard in this season. Practically speaking, if we're facing a global health pandemic, economic downturn, a tough election cycle, civil unrest due to racial and ethnic injustices, AND the everyday drama of being human... let's be real: no one has a lot of margin right now. The only grace to give has to come from God because, I don't know about you, but some days lately my fuse is pretty short. It's simply unfair and unrealistic to hold to pre-COVID expectations right now. It's okay to let some of them go. 

L: Lean in to what you know is true. 
I don't know about you, but in seasons like this where so much is changing, it sort of feels like trying to take a nap on a trampoline while others are still jumping. I may do my best not to move, but it won't stop other people's actions from reaching me. I could do everything possible to avoid this virus but it still might get me. This is the current reality. Uncertainty is more in-our-face than most of us know what to do with. It'd be nice to know there is a solid, unwavering resting place both physically and spiritually. Good news: there is. His name is Jesus and He gave us His Word that He will never leave us or forsake us By trusting in Jesus as the Lord of our lives, we gain access to the solid rock of His presence. A safe place to rest, to cry, to listen, to sleep, and to take with you on whatever adventure today holds. If you know Jesus, lean in. His shoulders are broad enough to bear your weight and carry you. You don't have to walk alone. If you don't know Him, pray now -- He is always listening. Get out your bible and dig into the Psalms. They have been priceless to me in this season. Or, if you're really struggling, phone a friend and ask them to pray with you. We were not meant to do this life alone.

Something that's also true and helpful: routine. I know it seems silly to encourage routine when so much of the big picture is unsettled, but genuinely -- if you can capitalize on the little moments that you can control and consciously enjoy them, on a neurobiological level, it will help you ride the waves of the day a little easier. Something I try to do regularly is to sit outside with my coffee in the morning and listen to the birds and pray. When I start with simple routines, it makes it easier to adapt when my workload needs to adjust. Does it solve everything? Of course not -- it's just a cup of coffee. But it's a reminder: right now, this is a moment you get to choose to enjoy. Be here now. 

O: Open your mind to the idea of "dirty but done."
This one goes out to my fellow Type A personalities. Similar to surrendering our plans, this is the choice to embrace that sometimes it's better that a task is done imperfectly and crossed off our mental list than to be left untouched, looming over our heads because we're afraid to screw it up or can't bear the idea of it not turning out just like we're imagining. There's some serious anxiety hidden in some of our procrastination -- I'll be the first to confess. But if we're going to keep moving forward through circumstances we don't actually have control over on a broad scale, the ability to be satisfied with what is done but 'dirty' (as in, imperfect) will be vital to not getting stuck or totally overwhelmed. 

What does this look like practically? For me it can be as simple as recognizing that a pile of dirty dishes is costing me mental space because I see them every time I'm in the kitchen (especially in lock-down). So, it's better to take the 10 minutes and power wash the 10 dishes than to feel the creeping anxiety every time the pile grows. Or, maybe it means not overthinking the emails you write. Just me on that one? Maybe not. :) Or maybe it means going for that 15 minute jog on a rough day at home with the kids because Momma needs a reset more than the living room needs cleaning right now. There is definitely a place for throwing up our hands to say, "You know what? That's going to have to be good enough." My encouragement is to keep the main thing the main thing. Did you accomplish everything that HAD to be done today? Cool. Take a break... and stop thinking about it. 

G: GO
This is different for everyone since our lives move at different paces and in different directions, but the basic idea is the same: just keep moving forward. It may feel like today was 100% uphill in every way. But you made it. And, so far, you're running about 100% at surviving all your worst days, so you know, celebrate that! Tomorrow might feel backwards -- but don't stop moving. When we "keep slogging on" we choose to embrace what's real, to acknowledge its messiness, and to move forward the best way we know how. There may not be immediate payout for the work we're doing, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the seasons of slogging in my life were what have ultimately produced the most goodness. I hate the training, but I'd be so weak without it. 

Disclaimer: by no means do I intend to encourage unhealthy habits with this. Sometimes a nap really is the best solution. I also do not mean to trigger those with mental illnesses by inferring inadequacy if a condition prevents you from functioning how you would otherwise. I understand there are very real "stop" signs for you. You have your own process and I'm cheering you on. You know "slogging" more than most ever will and I respect that. 

I want to leave you with Romans 5:3-6, which says, "

I know "rejoice" seems a little excessive at this point but I hope you see Paul's point: without suffering or hard times, we would not have this level of endurance. Our character would suffer and we might even lose hope because overcoming the difficulty is impossible on our own. It's only in our insufficiency that we recognize how huge God really is and that if anyone can do something, it's Him. And that's worth resting your hope in. You can sleep well tonight if Jesus is your savior because you know He will use it for good. 

Just keep slogging on. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Decision Fatigue: It's Not Just You

   Maybe it's the time of year or maybe it's the season of life I'm in, but lately there have just been a lot of decisions to make. I suppose it's always been true, but I feel it more lately. Maybe you can relate. What's for dinner? What am I wearing tomorrow? Do I need to do laundry today or can it wait until tomorrow? What about groceries -- am I good for the recipes this week? Should I go to the gym before work or after? Well, how am I going to do my hair tomorrow? Oh shoot -- was that Amazon package supposed to show up today? Maybe I should go home early so it isn't sitting out. No -- I have to get these papers graded. Well, maybe I can get them done on my prep tomorrow. Ugh -- I'm too tired to exercise. Did I go enough times to get the health insurance kick-back yet? Decision fatigue. It's a real thing.  We've all been there. As a teacher, I think I feel it more than ever because aside from the questions listed above, I'm also managing quest

Homes, Hearts, and Happiness

I've attended two funerals in the last two weeks. Not exactly happy days, but part of the life cycle nonetheless. One part of my extended family is all buried in the same cemetery and so, per usual, with every visit for another funeral, we've made a habit of tracing our steps past the other markers of our family's remains. I'm not usually alone at funerals for family members, but I was on this particular occasion, so I did my best to find the plots all over the place. On my journey, I began to notice something. All the headstones had names, a few had numbers that corresponded with names, but a majority also had a title. What titles did I see? Mom Dad Loving mother Beloved father and grandfather Papa Mama Sister Brother Mother Father Mr. and Mrs. (His name) (Family name) Loving husband Faithful wife Over and over, the titles of mom or dad came up. Sometimes grandma or grandpa, sometimes husband or wife, but all were family titles or nicknames. And it go