Places

Tomorrow is March 2nd, and for those of you in the literary world, it is somewhat of a national holiday; namely, Theodore Geisel’s birthday. Everyone else may know of him as Dr. Seuss.

It is no secret that the famous Doctor is regarded as one of the greatest authors of our time.  We grew up reading his books, which, despite their juvenile sounding rhymes, speak to adults and children alike, offering words of wisdom and keen insight into life…

 And speaking of life…

When exactly do you know when you hit rock bottom?  Is it when the only thing in your kitchen cupboard are Ramen noodles?  The fact that you have to cancel student loan payments on one credit card and put them on another you have more money on?  That you can’t fill up your gas tank in one lump sum anymore?  If rock bottom is at least one of these, consider me to have hit it.  The real world is not very fun at this current time in my life.

To top it off, one of the boys I tutor failed his math test (which I’m sure doesn’t reflect well on me), I had cash stolen from me, and it is the first of the month, so bills and rent are due.  If you couldn’t already tell, March is starting off great.

However, despite my financial tribulations, one thing I find solace in is one of Dr. Seuss’ gems, “Oh The Places You’ll Go!”  It is, and always has been, one of my very favorite books.  I remember when my Mom used to read it to me when I was young and I could giggle and mimic the funny-sounding rhymes.  Yet now, as I approach (shudder) my mid-twenties, the book means even more to me now than it used to.  It’s about the ups and downs of life and the journeys you go on to shape the person you ultimately become. It’s a book I find inspiration in every time I re-read it.  And funnily enough, when Kenny and Casey came to bid me farewell to California back on Halloween 2011, the card they gave me was one quoting my favorite book.  I had forgotten about the card until, when preparing for this post, I opened the book and it fell out, reminding me that despite the places I go, I have a support system who is behind me every step of the way.

“I’m sorry to say, but sadly it’s true, that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.”

“You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.”

It’s with these words that I accept my troubles, but keep looking up, knowing that my journey is far from over, and from this point, it can only get better.

Thanks Dr. Seuss, I feel better already.