This evening, I wondered if I could write about Spring for this month’s blog entry.
It felt quite similar to the Spring I experienced every year in Kyoto and Shiga. I wandered around Kyoto city chasing the cherry blossoms, took photos of the flowers, did hanami with my husband and friends, and went to the research lab as usual.
My routine seemed normal, but my feelings were not. I felt very different—perhaps because my paper has been published and I passed my doctoral preliminary screening. I felt like something was missing (deadlines? anxiety?). It’s strange not having to run my data or revise my drafts. My professor is no longer chasing me for progress. After years of constant worry and pressure, suddenly I am “free,” just like that.
And of course, I felt amazing. Finally, my work has been fully developed (still with flaws, but at least everything is now published). Finally, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank God. Allah is great.
I have always said that Spring is my favorite season, mostly because I see it as a transition—from a cold, gloomy, grey-ish time into something warm, bright, and colorful. It brings hope and lifts your mood. It has always been like that for me, but this year, that feeling hits differently. I found myself enjoying Spring much more than I ever did before. I love Spring more than I ever have. I still do now, and maybe I always will.
