by Alexandria Butler

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much. - Mother Teresa 

Let’s just say Mother T was so right about this one.  But the most valuable lesson from this quote is to understand your true priorities in the face of the thunderstorm.  Take me for example, In the past couple of weeks, it has been raining like a Jumanji thunderstorm in my crib (If you have not seen Jumanji, please invite your girlfriends over and watch the drama. It is one of the best 90s movies ever, and all of the non-updated graphics of flying monkeys and elephant parades will change your life, especially if you watch it with cocktails.)  

With work obligations, multiple projects due at the same time, family illnesses, and my puppy almost dying in the Doggy Urgent Care, I sometimes feel like my life is just a constant state of negative energy and way too much emotion.

There has been so much unexpected havoc in my life recently; I have had to cut back on many possible opportunities which made me feel guilty. I pride myself on always being available to everyone, especially when it comes to my career.  But as I started to deal with all of the personal concerns that imploded (all at once), I began to understand the true meaning of priorities.

Since I was younger, I assumed that my career would be my number one priority and never thought of the other things in life that would possibly clash with it, such as unexpected emergencies.  But sitting in the Animal Urgent Care at 11 at night made me re-think my life.  

Here are my lessons learned:

1. All of the hard work, long nights, and (unhealthy) amounts of coffee mean nothing if the people and puppy that I care about are not well and cannot benefit from my success.
2. Saying no is never a negative notch.  Sometimes saying no can impact your well-being for the better.  You can't be everywhere at the same time.  You always need to keep your priorities in check.
3. Always stay unselfishly selfish.  Always think about what is best for your and your lifestyle before making decisions.
4. Count your blessings because they can leave as quickly as they come.

Being confident in your priorities and yourself is the most important lesson to learn as a young professional, especially as a woman of color.  You will be pulled in so many directions, and sometimes you can't cater to everyone.  Focus on what is important today and just take it one step at a time.

If nothing else, just remember in those crazy times that the storm can only last so long, and God won't give you anything that you can't handle.