Finding a Better Way to Transition to a New Phase in Life (Music Monday #25)

LIFE UPDATE

Car packed and ready to roll!

Lowe's: Where a Young Adult can be a kid

The past week has been such as whirlwind as I packed up everything from home and moved out westward to go to medical school! It is so nice to drive towards a new destination. It allows you to really take it all in. Would you believe that I've been meaning to finish this post ever since last Monday when I started it?! Time surely flies. Especially when you get inspired to DIY with your new apartment and visit dozens of stores from Lowe's to local furniture shops! Maybe there will be a home decor post once I'm all done...stay tuned,,,

As I officially embark upon this new phase in life, I have been reflecting on what's uniquely different this time. This time, I truly feel a bit wiser. Remember my Quarter Life Culmination concept? It's happening. The thing is becoming wiser, as it turns out, doesn't necessarily come with age, That's the common misconception. It is a choice to become wiser, not  a default. To allow past situations and observations to make you a better person as a result of having gone through them is a daily choice.

When I first left home home to go to college, it was more of a going-through the motions of life. Do not get me wrong, I loved my undergrad experience - the good, the bad, and the organic chemistry - as much as the next person. However, I just feel that there can be so much power in taking time to contemplate a life path before embarking upon it. That's what I have done here. The decision to pursue medical school took a lot of consideration, and now I'm mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared to allow this new experience to continue to mold me into the person I'm meant to be. Not just a physician, but a more patient, more compassionate, more faithful individual. Oh, what you didn't know that all those things came with the MD degree? Well, I'm not sure that's the case for everyone going through my program, but I have no doubt that's on the curriculum for my life.

(On an academic side note, for my young scholars out there - if you're going to take a year off, and you have the opportunity to pursue a master's degree in a related field in the meantime, I'd do it. Also, for my young scholars out there, if you have any questions about your academic path/timeline, feel free to contact me! jasmin.aldridge@alumni.duke.edu.) 

Music Choice for this Monday

A friend of mine once said, "with change comes excitement, new friends, and new journeys." (Can you quote someone before asking them? I kinda just went with it. I'll ask him later...) But this simple yet powerful phrase speaks volume to life's transitional experiences. It is such a mix of excitement and natural apprehension, of new friends and old, of an uncharted, yet familiar journey. So, here begins the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wayfare of how Jasmin becomes a patient, compassionate and faithful physician. So many glorious lessons and blessings behind, as well as before me. I have a clear space for growth. Which brings me to my song selection for today: Dixie Chicks 'Wide Open Spaces'. I used to sing this song at the top of my lungs when I was 9, and as I traveled last week, I sang it in my head. It wasn't a solo road trip - I don't subject people to my unique singing voice in confined spaces.

This song for me paints a vivid picture of setting out on your own for a new phase in life. My favorite line pretty much sums up how I'm feeling about my own:

"It takes the shape of a place out west

But what it holds for her, she hasn't yet guessed"

~Glow and Tell Challenge Update~

Day 14

Post Day 21

Lastly, I wanted to give a final report the Glow and Tell Challenge I participated in. (Pardon the puffy eyes in the pics! In my defense, a) it was late each time they were taken, and b) IT HAPPENS)

It's been 21+ days of using Mary Kay's Botanical Effects day and night, and I can honestly say my skin feels so soft! As we do get older, it is important to take more tender care of not only our minds and souls, but also our bodies - from within with the foods we eat to without with the products we apply. I encourage anyone to find what works well with them and their unique body. Learn how to properly love the skin and body you're in, and, embrace the wellness! 

Well, until next time, my friends, be well and always vote for peace and love :-)