Fun.

If you have read much of this blog, you will have seen other posts that discuss the fact that sometimes you have to make sacrifices when you do a doctoral degree. You have to say NO to some things because you need to spend time writing. It might be a trip or a family event or a child's soccer game or going out for dinner or to a movie. You do not have to say no to everything, but I am not convinced that you can say YES to everything else and still completed a doctoral program.

Prepare yourself for that reality. Prepare your friends and family for that reality. Celebrate achievements along the way to try and make up in small ways for the sacrifices you made. This is all optional. You chose the journey. It is hard. It is supposed to be hard. It is worth it.

Myrtle Beach at sunset. Not sure what year I took this. Pretty sure I was there for a conference and not for fun. Not that conferences can't be fun, but you know what I mean.