Monday, August 24, 2015

Finding a Better Way to Be More Resilient

Rule #2 of medical school (and life) - be sure that you always bounce back.

Here's what I mean. Sometimes, no, a lot of the time, you can experience setbacks. It could be in personal growth. Maybe you thought some things wouldn't bother you as much as they used to until you react poorly to an old trigger. Or, maybe it's with health goals. You haven't worked out in TWO weeks and you. are. feeling. it. And, but of course, this is a familiar quandary with academic progress. You don't cover as much material as you planned to in the time you set aside to study for the weekend. I've personally experienced all of these scenarios of late, and I had an epiphany on Saturday.

You've got to bounce back from the minor setbacks and keep moving along. Don't remain stagnant or wallow longer than you need to in a negative state of mind. Recognize it, relax and respond. As I've probably mentioned, my time is severely limited these days - I'm rushing through this blog post just so I can continue reviewing and get to sleep at a decent hour! (Because sleep should be neglected for nothing...I'll blog about that later...) Thus, there just simply isn't time to get frustrated about feeling behind or not achieving everything on your personal to-do lists. There is only now. Only time to move forward. So, with that brief but hopefully helpful thought, I leave you with one of my favorite songs to run to - 'Move Along' by All American Rejects.


Favorite Lines
"When all you gotta keep is strong,
Move along, move along, like I know you do.
Even when your hope is gone, 
Move along, move along, 
Just to make it through"

Also, just for kicks and giggles, check out the super quick video below. I TOTALLY played the first few keys (chords? idk...) of Alicia Key's "If I Ain't Got You". Yes, yes, I am unofficially learning how to play the piano from one of my very talented new friends. My album drop soon! I'm kidding. K bye! Happy Monday friends!


Monday, August 17, 2015

Finding a Better Way to... Not Panic (aka Music Monday #27)

Oh hey guys! Welp, survived the first two weeks of medical school - woo hoo! So, the biggest lesson I've learned thus far (besides how to draw the Brachial Plexus in 17 seconds, of course) is that I first must not panic. Let me explain what I mean.

One can become easily overwhelmed when presented with mountains of information in a short period of time. However, I'm thinking that panicking about it only leads to paralysis which leads to procrastination. That's the pattern for me, anyway. The thing about that domino effect is - there is actually no time to waste. Solution? Cut it at its source! First, do not panic. I think this is a practical approach to life, as well. Inevitably, we're going to be presented with a number of variables in any phase of life which we will have to adjust to accordingly. I'm not advocating throwing caution to the wind. I consider myself fairly cautious, actually. But if we can take two deep breaths...and then take two more...and then think clearly to how to approach the new challenges, I think it might be more effective. I've also learned that I literally cannot verbalize the phrase, "I am behind". I've heard a lot of my classmates say this and I dare not utter the words. Dramatic? Yes. But, I feel that it's a psychological thing for me. If I say, with conviction, "I am behind" or "I'm feeling overwhelmed", my subconscious takes over and is like,"okay here we go, let's stress out and fret and not actually absorb the information!" But, that's just me. Everyone has a different study/motivation style, so to thine own self be true. But, whatever you do, don't panic.

Today's song choice might be a big cliche, but it is no less effective if you take the chorus to heart.

Bob Marley, "Three Little Birds"

Favorite Line...obviously...
Don't worry about a thing,
'Cuz every little thing, gonna be alright

I have been constantly reminding (and sometimes plain ol' convincing) myself that every little AND big thing is going to be alright. I know that's easier said than believed, but it might be easier to believe than we think. If that makes sense. My point is this - it all works out in the end. There's intricacies in between, but take it one step at a time. 


What I wake up seeing everyday :-)
What you would see!




Meanwhile, take a moment to look at some of the wall art around my apartment. These reminders help me stay true to the words above. You should find what works for you too! Oh! And, just for kicks and giggles, vote on your favorite quote in the poll to the right! Happy Monday, folks. 


On the door to my bathroom, clever eh? Shout out to my mama! 


Monday, August 10, 2015

Finding a Better Way - Starting Medical School! (also Music Monday #26)

White Coat Ceremony Day
Last Monday, I began a journey that will surely shape me professionally and personally for the rest of my life. I began my training to become a medical doctor. I wrote in a get-to-know-me essay that I have no doubt that this experience will make me a more compassionate and patient individual. I'm anxious to delve into to the delicious self-discovery, the challenges and triumphs, and everything in between.

I was in my apartment recreating my own version of Chipotle's Chicken Bowl when Hoku's "Perfect Day" start playing from my YouTube Relentless Positive Thinking Playlist. When she sang the line below, I felt it fitting for today's Music Monday choice.

Hoku "Perfect Day"

"I'm in the race, but I've already won
And getting there can be half the fun."

Now, besides the fact that this song was essential on the soundtrack of one of my all-time favorite movies, Legally Blonde, this line also delivers a poignant message (as does the movie, by the way). It perfectly summed up how I felt after assembling bar stools for my apartment, submitting my first official assignment, and making dinner. I'm easing nicely into this new phase in life, and I can already tell the journey is going to be just as rewarding and exciting as the destination: MD Island. 

A Note about Home Decor...btw..


Spray-painting my desk
Final Product 
Besides getting to know the awesome people I'll be on this roller coaster ride with for the next four years, it's also been an awesome experience turning this apartment into my little haven of serenity. I went for a beach/nautical theme. I finally understood why Pinterest is amazing, and I can't wait to add little knick-knacks along the way.



 The headboard made of wooden
and an anchor, courtesy of
Hobby Lobby.



The bar stools, courtesy of Wayfair, that I assembled all by myself!