Thank yourself

They said, "Keep trying, you'll find a way."

But darling,

keeping on trying is draining.

It can eat you alive.

Trying—giving extra effort, yet still not being seen as good enough—is painful.

Sometimes, winning isn't about getting an award, being the best oral speaker at a conference, or securing millions in grants or projects.

Sometimes, winning is simply choosing to wake up each day, brave enough to face it.

Winning is continuing, even when it's hard.

Winning is finding joy in sipping your favorite coffee, despite the burdens of your work.

Winning is giving your best every day, even when no one sees it.

It’s about you.

And don’t forget to thank yourself.

— Me, in the middle of hectic PhD work