When I worked as an accompanist for musical theatre programs, they usually had something called "hell week." It's the week before the opening night of the show, the time leading up to it. Everyone is feeling the pressure of the deadline, all the problems are being solved as fast as possible, everyone is rushing to make sure that everything is ready for opening night.
Come to think of it I remember my fellow students in college who were in greek societies describing something they called "hell week" also. A week of trial and tribulation as you are submitting yourself to the initiation rituals of the greek society, leading up to your final acceptance.Now that I think about it a bit more I think I recall some navy seals that I've listened to on podcasts like Jocko Willink and David Goggins describing something they called "hell week" also. It had something to do with being the most grueling part of seal (is that supposed to be capitalized?) training.
I was dwelling on this because I decided that I'm going to start writing to you every week. Initially I thought I would just send an email like this one but when I sat down to write this I realized maybe I should start a blog and just send a link, then I can reserve this email space for a more brief update that can cover everything I'm doing and I don't have to talk your ear off every week.
That seems like a great idea to me but I don't have time for it right now, you see: I'm in hell week.
How is that you ask?
Am I directing a show?
Am I pledging a fraternity?
Did I join the navy?
No, although I expect I will feel a bit like I'm in boot camp very soon! My son is scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday.
I have often thought that having children (especially when they are first born) is a bit like joining the military:
-You will have someone screaming at you to take action constantly
-There's significant sleep deprivation
-Everything has to be more carefully planned and put on a schedule or it will be a threat to the success of the mission
-You have to pack a LOT of gear to take with you everywhere you go
-You're constantly cleaning things because babies are messy
-It can be very physically taxing, considering all the lifting and carrying and picking up and putting down and holding and rocking you have to do
-You can't just decide to quit in the middle of boot camp, you enlisted, they're not going to let you go so easily
-the mistakes you're liable to make due to inexperience or lack of training-depending on what they are-have the potential to be life threatening or carry serious consequences and there are other people (or at least, a person) putting their lives in your hands
On top of this, I have to do my taxes, I'm not missing any students' lessons (well, ok two of them we just skipped instead of re-scheduling) and I am putting myself through an online training course for a new job.
While it is tempting to despair under the weight of the trials and pressure that I am experiencing at the moment, I also think about why "hell week" exists in so many places. What is the result of a "hell week" faithfully endured?
A great show, a work of art, a new member of the tribe.
What could be more exciting?
I might have to think of a more positive name for it. :P
If you would, please remember us in your prayers this week, and be on the lookout for an email from me next week that will have a link to a new blog and hopefully news about other exciting things happening. (I have a mailing list you can subscribe to)
Food for thought: have you ever been through a hell week? When was the last time? What was the result? How hard are you pushing yourself? Maybe it's time for another one?
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