Climbing, Celebrating, and Mourning Mountains
The hangover that can come from major milestones
Ah, the hangover. No, not the one from a wild night out with friends. I'm talking about the unique hangover that follows planning a massive, all-consuming event at work or a major milestone in your personal life. It's a peculiar blend of exhaustion, relief, and a touch of melancholy. As I sit here nursing my metaphorical hangover, having successfully pulled off an event that took every ounce of my energy, I can't help but reflect on the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with it. So, grab a cup of coffee, and join me on this playful and self-deprecating journey of celebrating, mourning, and finding solace in the climb.
The Cyclonic Effect of Giant Work/Life Events
Planning a massive event is like being in a whirlwind. The days are filled with endless to-do lists, countless meetings, and the constant buzzing of phone calls and emails. You become consumed by it, waking up in the middle of the night with a sudden idea or fretting over the tiniest details. It's all-consuming, and you find yourself mentally and physically drained. But as the event day arrives, the adrenaline kicks in, and you become the master of multitasking, fixing any last-minute glitches with, hopefully, a smile on your face.
And then, it's over. The event is a resounding success (or at least it’s over with.) People are patting you on the back, congratulating you for a job well done. Some might critique what you could’ve done (while barely lifting a finger themselves.) The relief floods in, and you either feel a surge of pride for what you've accomplished and/or regret of what you could’ve done if you had more time, help, etc. But as the adrenaline subsides, a peculiar emptiness creeps in. It's the mourning phase of the hangover, as if a chapter of your life has closed, leaving you both relieved and nostalgic.
The Waters of Rest and Reflection: Hydration for the Hangover
Just like any hangover, the remedy lies in rest and reflection. You need time to recharge your batteries, to catch up on sleep and restore your energy. It's crucial to acknowledge the toll that planning a massive event takes on your well-being and give yourself permission to step back and recuperate. Take a day (or days) off, indulge in your favorite self-care activities, and allow yourself to decompress. Don’t just throw yourself into the next big project.
But alongside rest, reflection is equally important. Look back at the event, not only at its success but also at the journey you took to get there. Celebrate the victories, both big and small. Reminisce about the moments of doubt and panic that turned into triumphs. Reflect on the lessons learned and the growth you experienced throughout the process. Use the shortcomings of the event, not as a judgement of your competence, but a diagnostic of what can be worked on before the next big thing so that big thing can benefit from this less-than-perfect one. Use the hangover as a reminder that even amidst the exhaustion, there were moments of pure magic that made it all worthwhile.
Celebrating and Mourning: The Juxtaposition
In a strange way, planning a massive event is like experiencing the bittersweet emotions of celebrating and mourning simultaneously. It's a strange juxtaposition of feelings that can leave you feeling disoriented. As you celebrate the success and applaud the team's hard work, there's a tinge of sadness for the journey that has come to an end. You've spent weeks, maybe months, working toward this moment, and now it's over.
As I ponder this hangover from event planning, I can't help but draw parallels to the recent high school graduation of my daughter. The mix of pride and joy mingled with a touch of sorrow that my little girl is now stepping into a new phase of life is dizzying; like suffering oxygen depravation at high altitudes. Just as I celebrated her accomplishments, I couldn't help but mourn the passage of time and the end of an era.
In moments like these, I find solace in this devotional thought:
Life is a series of mountains we climb, and planning a massive event is just one of those peaks. It reminds me that God has us climb these mountains not only for the view ahead of us but also for the view from back where we came. The celebration and mourning are intertwined because they signify growth, progress, and the beauty of the journey itself. They remind us that life's experiences, both big and small, shape us and create waypoints of memories along the way.
So, as I nurse my hangover from planning this massive, all-consuming event, I find comfort in the need for rest and reflection. I celebrate the successes, mourn the regrets of items undone, and embrace the lessons the journey revealed. Life's mountains may be challenging, but they offer us the most incredible views, both ahead and behind. Yet, the most valuable aspect is who you become because of the journey and Who was with you at every step. It’s in this realization that we truly find meaning and purpose.
So much truth.