It’s that time of year again; the seemingly endless period of time between Christmas break and spring break. This has always been one of my least favorite times of the school year. The weather, the workload, and the flu bug always seem to be working against us, and I often find myself wondering when the next time I will be able to sleep in will be. However, over the last two years or so, I have found a way to combat this bleak and cold time period. I have begun to revert to doing things that made me happy when I was younger. Now I know that sounds strange and maybe just weird, but it works! For instance, you may have seen me wandering the halls of Xavier with my hair French braided in pigtails. This is because there is just something so fun about wearing my hair like I used to, even if I look like I’m five years old. In addition, I have found that I thoroughly enjoy skipping. Not only is it a very quick way of getting where you’re going, but it is so much fun! You may feel a little strange doing it at first, but it’s definitely worth giving it a shot.

If these quirky habits don’t appeal to you, don’t worry! This approach to pushing through the winter blues is completely individual. Other fun things I would suggest would be finding a new candy to eat, listening to a different type of music, or trying to talk to someone new every day. The best way to live each day is to make it your own and be fully present for it rather than going through the motions. This is something I struggle with every single day. If escaping this rut means showing up to school in pigtails, then by all means show up to school in pigtails.

While being busy can be great, it can also make it easy to just try to get through the day rather than trying to live each day. In response to our desire to just do the bare minimum, James 4:14 says “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

We only have one shot at life, so don’t waste the days you have sinking further into what seems like a never ending busy season. Trust me, it will come to an end. What’s even better is that with that end comes spring and a season of new beginnings.

Gwen Cataldo

Co-Editor-in-Chief