Welcome! I'm Jasmin Aldridge, budding health and wellness enthusiast and as of 2015 a medical student. Quite simply put, this blog is about me helping you and you helping me to find better ways to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. So, I give my random thoughts on the matter, and you give your insightful comments, and together we can achieve better health! If you’re up for the journey, I’m pleased to have you tag along.
Happy Martin Luther King Day Monday, y'all! It's been a while since I've posted a purely Music Monday post. Today's song is an old favorite of mine by The Shins, "Simple Song".
My favorite line pretty much sums up why I love the song:
I think that last word is technically "home", but let's just roll with the hope theme.
I've been thinking lately about authenticity. Interestingly enough, it was the topic of a Bible study just last week when it was on my mind. I pondered what it meant to me for me to live from an authentic head-space the majority of the time. And, I discovered that oftentimes that means taking a nuanced approach to circumstances and decisions that might not seem like the logical choice to outsiders looking in.
Authenticity made me think about being open-hearted. I quickly Googled an official definition for this, and thefreedictionary.com describes openheartedness as 'showing or being motivated by sympathy and understanding and being freely communicative'. I love this definition. It reminds me that when we do approach seemingly difficult decisions in our lives, we should lead first with a heart of understanding for those involved and for ourselves.
Which brings me to the song lyrics. We literally need one another to make it through. I can't tell you how much just in the last couple of days I've texted my best friends for advice and encouragement and daily ridiculousness. We really don't have to go it alone.
Similarly, I like the idea that hope is something critical, an essential component to getting along in this life. With openheartedness, the hope is that we can be true to ourselves and others in a liberating way.
I like to think that the legacy of MLK and others like him reinforce this concept of openheartedness. Striving first to come from a space of sympathy and understanding before discrimination. So, in the spirit of his legacy on this day, and in the spirit of openheartedness, I encourage you all to liberally be your truest self in this life! Stay golden, my friends.
The new year is such an inspirational time period. I know there are statistics about how people don't maintain their resolutions and whatnot, but the mere making of resolutions is exciting enough to me. I love seeing everyone's new year's eve epic snapshots accompanied by a suitable caption for starting fresh in the new year.
It's funny because usually not much drastically changes in your life from December 31st to January 1st. Change happens over time. But a change in perspective happens in an instant.
I think that's what I experienced yesterday. It was a combination of good talks (and texting conversations) with some good friends, the sermon I heard Sunday morning, and self-reflection contemplating it all. My perspective towards moving into the new year shifted towards contentment. Before progressing in my other goals, my first step is to be content where I am.
The thing that I realized is this: I will likely continue to evolve and accordingly resolve to do certain things throughout the year (and, let's be real, throughout my lifetime). Therefore, I should not think that happiness/success/peace/etc awaits me in the future. I have to understand how those elements exist within my life even now, in the present moment. There's this quote by Lao Tzu that I have always loved and it certainly rings true for me still today:
"Always we hope someone else has the answer, some other place will be better, some other time it will all turn out. This is it; no one else has the answer, no other place will be better, and it has already turned out. At the center of your being, you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want. There is no need to run outside for better seeing. Nor to peer from a window. Rather abide at the center of your being; for the more you leave it, the less you learn. Search your heart and see the way to do is to be."
Is that not just the most refreshing insight on living life? I just love it. Maybe more now than when I first stumbled upon it about 6 years ago in college.
The first couple of lines is what really resonates with me now. This is it. Everything is already as it should be in the present moment.
So, that being said, I gazed out from my balcony, and truly appreciated the view this morning. Lubbock is by no means a vacation get-a-way, but then again, isn't that just a state of mind?
Just look at the expansion of the sky, the calmness of the water, the stillness of the barren trees. This view from my balcony is not a common awe-inspiring snapshot of nature's beauty, but it's actually not far from it when you think about it. It's all about perspective. Keeping life's little wonders in perspective keeps me content.
Lastly, in the spirit of Music Monday, I'd like to share Jack Johnson's "Banana Pancakes". That one line says it all: "we got everything we need right here and everything we need is enough".
I'm going to make this post short & sweet since I've knee-deep in Behavioral Sciences information right now. But, I just wanted to share this little reminder I just received. I like to mix it up when I study, in terms of the music I listen to. Tonight at Starbucks I decided to jam to an old playlist, and Regina Spektor's "On the Radio" came on. When I tell you guys that this used to be MY JAM, I mean it. 20 year-old Jasmin at Duke was a Regina Spektor fiend, and this song was my absolute favorite. My favorite line remains:
It's just another one of life's simple truths, and it's just always made me smile. So, maybe it'll do the same for you! Welp, gotta keep trudging through the material, so I won't be able to make this post super-insightful, but if nothing else, treat yo'self to a mini-dance-party to this upbeat tune:
There's this song I used to absolutely love running to called "Young Blood" by The Naked and Famous. It serves as today's Tuesday Tune (since I was driving the majority of the day Monday and missed out on Music Monday). The upbeat and melody is enough reason to love it, but for me, per usual, it's the lyrics that really captivate me. My favorite line goes as follows:
"We're only young and naive still We require certain skills."
I give you permission to have a dance party of one to this song right now.
Isn't it great?
I recently bought this poster from Holstee's Poster Sale last week. It's a nice addition for my growing wall of inspiration. "Foolish" is a bit provoking. I'm not by any mean advocating we all act a fool. But, for me, it reminds me to stay silly. A reminder I appreciate. And, then, I thought about this song.
I first heard this song when I had just recently graduated from college in 2012, and these words rang so true for me. Trying to navigate post-grad life totally felt like I was out of my element - missing the skills I needed to cope with the transition from that cookie-cutter K through college plan into the this-is-adulthood-do-whatever-you-want-in-the-sequence-you-want plan.
I know I'm not alone with these "am I adulting right?" thoughts, These thoughts are most prevalent when it comes to thinking about our career paths and relationships. We are all too often critical of ourselves, of our actions. At least I know I am. I wonder how I come off to others, how they are perceiving me, how I perceive myself. I think a healthy dose of self-reflection and introspection is necessary, but there must be a balance.
There must be a healthy dose of love and acceptance for ourselves and for others. For all of their idiosyncrasies and charm. Children have this quality. To be silly and make their own fun. It's an amazing quality that we quickly unlearn in a world full of rules and order. Again, I feel there needs to be balance. Especially when we're interacting with others. We could pore over the research about social contracts and even the unspoken rules of "playing it cool" while dating in the modern age.
Or we can just be ourselves? Whatever that means for you. I feel like when we are honest about who we are and present that, ever-changing, dynamic individual to others, we have nothing to lose but fear and anxiety. We gain freedom.
I wrote the title of this blog off the top of my head because I just wanted it to rhyme. But, I really kinda like it. Isn't it liberating to feel that you're free to be you and I can be free to be me without the fear of judgment? So, just a simple reminder to you, my friends. Stay you! Whoever that happens to be at the moment.
Being home for a whole week for Thanksgiving break is quite the privilege. It's kinda awkward because I still have classes that are recorded online, so technically I'm still in study-mode. But, I will tell you it is refreshing to study in a new space. Well, a new yet familiar place. White Rhino Coffee. So, turns out writing and studying in coffeeshops at home is just as effective as when in Lubbock.
So, there's this shirt that I bought when I was a the thrift shop, and it's super comfortable. I also love that it has the outline of Texas on it. And, I like it's time-tested truth: "Home is where my heart is". I absolutely love being around my family. And, the older I get, the more I appreciate being home to spend time with them altogether. I drove from Lubbock to Dallas for the first time all by my lonesome this break and it was glorious! I love the company I've had over the years on mini-road trips, but there was something particularly spectacular about traveling for a substantial distance solo. One of the magical moments was turning in to the street where my parents live. It's like each time I return, the trees are more majestic, the skies are more expansive. And, since it's Fall, the mix of colors were absolutely amazing. (Sorry I didn't take a photo, I'm a responsible driver *wink, wink* - no but really! I don't know why I winked). Then, I drove into the driveway, opened the door, and was greeted by these wonderful humans who I'm lucky enough to call my family.
Home truly is where you heart resides. And that means that no matter where you go in the world, if you can tap into your heart and find comfort in memories, then you're home. No matter if your childhood home is still the place where you parents reside or not, wherever the people you grew up with are, is home. This is a simple truth. I'm not blogging anything ground-breaking epiphany. I just thought I'd share the reminder because in this hustle-bustle society, it's so easy to forget life's simple truths.
That somewhat brings me to today's selection for Music Monday, the most beautiful cover of Pat Benetar's "We Belong" that I have ever heard. It's done by an artist named Today Kid.
I first heard it from the Chase commercial (below). Which is an absolutely precious commercial.
(I'll address another one of my favorite topics - interracial dating in another post, by the way!)
I chose this song for today's post because the style in which he does this cover is very centering to me. My favorite line remains the same as when it is the original rendition and it comes towards the end/resolution of the song, after the potentially sad lines: "We can't begin to know it, how much we really care". I love this line. I feel that it can apply to so many different areas of life. In this song in particular, it's a romantic relationship that continues to unfold. With family, we can come to learn how much we really care for those once super-duper annoying little brothers. Similarly, in the spirit of connecting with others, it can even apply to how much you can come to care for those people who you've only just met. For me, that line represents all of that, and this song just makes my heart feel super happy.
Welp, that's all I've got for today, folks! Hope you enjoy the song, and if nothing else, the sentiment.
So, about three weeks ago, I decided that I was going to start studying at various coffeehouses throughout the week instead of studying in my usual solitude in the study area in my apartment complex. A bit of background, last year during the first year of medical school I learned that I actually really didn't enjoy studying in the school's library or at any of the school study spaces. I think the school environment stressed me out. I also learned that I couldn't study if I felt like I was surrounded by other health professional students. I do not know how their mere presence stressed me out, but it totally did. So, some time in the spring semester last year, I just started studying in my apartment. It was glorious. I could eat whenever with food I had already paid for. I could take naps and not feel awkward if someone saw me because no one would. If I needed human interaction, I could just pop in the kitchen when I heard my roommate grabbing a snap. Jackpot! It was wonderland. However, this was a gig I could only keep up during the sunny time of spring and the end of summer. As we progress through autumn, that gloomy shorter days longer nights mood is starting to set in, and I need to be around more energy to keep mine up. But, I definitely didn't want to go to school or any school's library for that matter...what to do?
Signature Wall at Sugar Brown's Coffee
Cut to coffeeshouses! It's almost as if this idea had never occurred to me before this year. I studied at a couple of coffeehouses last year, but it just didn't stick. But, now, I was determined. Luckily, there's a bunch of cool spots around Lubbock for me to hop about. And, in the past weeks of me doing just that, I have discovered what love I have for this study setting. I really like the artsy feel of places that sell coffee. It's as if they only higher the hipster-est looking baristas, and I love it. They also usually have other things going on like performances or cool art hanging around that just makes you feel like, "hey man, I'm immersed in this community." I love it. AND, the best part - aside from the cute designs they put in your drinks and pastries of course (see below) - is that the constant movement of people in and out is the perfect amount of distraction for me. There's a certain steady hustle and bustle quality with the drinks being made, people greeting and chatting with friends, people studying super diligently - I am obsessedwith the energy. It's an extra added bonus when I see a few of my classmates, too. It's like, "hey, we're cool, we're not merely med students, we are a part of this vibrant community, man!"
Compliments of Yellow House
I'm not sure everyone shares this same sentiment, but I'm sure glad I've found my niche. I'm telling, it has revolutionized my studying. So, naturally, I just had to share. And, since coffeehouses are always playing cool, indie, coffeehouse music, today's Music Monday selection is one that I heard in Xcelente (which is also a smoothie bar, so they get extra cool points from me): Cake's "Tougher Than It Is". Actually has a really simple yet powerful message, in my opinion.
Favorite line:
"The more you try to qualify, the more it all will past you by"
So, just be in the moment, guys. Don't justify your life away with the minutia of it all. Go study at coffeehouses! Happy Monday, folks.
...Although technically it's not Monday, let's just roll with it!)
Why hello there my friends!
Don't give me that look. I know. I know. I haven't posted on here for a while. Well, that's what the second year of medical school does to a person!
But, lately. I've been feeling really out of balance. I've found that when I diversify my attention, I'm more efficient with my work and more balanced with my emotions.
So, I bought a ukulele. It made me think about how the word 'aloha' actually translates to love. Here's a quick story below!
That being said, I leave you with a simple and sweet song for today.. It's Ingrid Michaelson's "You & I". I have always, always appreciated the cheerful sound of the ukulele. And these lyrics are so delightfully hopeful.
Favorite Line:
"Let's get rich and give everybody nice sweaters, and teach them how to dance."
Final Word.
Life really is about love, folks. Love for yourself, love for the universe, love for your Creator, love for others. When I focus my attention on love, that definitely helps to reduce the stress. So, aloha, my friends. Stay golden.
I'm finally back to my blog! It has been way too long! My goal this summer is to chronicle it. In a reflective and effective manner. So, let's get started!
As the title of this blog post suggests, this summer is one in which I want to restore myself physically. I feel as if my mind, body and soul got completely exhausted during my first year of medical school, so now is time for some much needed rest and relaxation. I also feel that I have already transformed so much as an individual over this past year, and that journey also continues. Finally, I have been blessed enough to be able to travel a bit this summer and explore parts of the world that I never have before. Title seems quite fitting now, huh?
First off, I want to share with y'all an amazing experience I had just last week. I wrote the following post while I was flying from Texas to Costa Rica:
Beautiful Mission Beach
Mission in Oceanside, CA
As I leave one transformative journey and embark upon the
next adventure, I wanted to take a moment to reflect. I just attended a
mentally, emotionally and physically restorative retreat in a lovely mission 45 minutes north of San Diego. While there, a group of other medical students and I surveyed the
various layers of integrative medicine and healing, self-care practices to incorporate in our professional and personal life. Now as I sit above the clouds heading towards
Costa Rica, I am reminded of mindfulness. Really taking in the
moment-by-moments of life. It's so beautiful up here.
View from above the clouds
It's rare that I get a
window seat. I don't think that I've had once since college, over 4 years ago.
There's a certain serenity to it all. The way the sun peeked over the horizon as the rain clouds floated
away. It's quite magical,
really, if I could use that word to describe what is ever so common in nature.
This stillness. This peace.
The program I attended reminded me to interweave these same
themes in my own life. To remember to be still, to restore, to contemplate in
the quiet of your mind. To honor and enjoy the energy shared between yourself
and others.
Just a portion of the most amazing people I've met yet!
After seeing how I could practically integrate alternative
and complementary practices into my practice of western medicine
has restored my faith in myself to become a physician. More specifically, it
has reignited a fire in my soul to be a healing physician. To treat each
patient as a whole person - mind, body and spirit.
One major theme I learned from hearing everyone's stories of their life's paths thus far is this: the universe always provides a way for everything to fall
into place. So, I won't worry myself with the details of how I will approach
Step 1. Rather, I'll take each step along this path towards becoming an MD one at a
time.
And last thought, but certainly not the least - I will never
forget the beautiful souls I came across along this part of my journey. It's
sad yet powerful to accept that though some of our paths may never cross again,
the 5 days we shared in each other's space of growth and restoration will never be forgotten. Just as matter is neither created nor
destroyed, neither is that energy that was created when that unique group of
individuals came together. Our lives are forever
changed by that moment in time.
In the coming weeks I'm sure I'll reflect upon more aspects
of this retreat as I digest it all more. And, there will be videos to come! Until then, I will also try to chronicle my experience in Costa Rica with the same level of reflection and entertainment.
Today's Music Monday selection is an oldie-but-goodie that beautifully sums up this past week for me:
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Well, I haven't blogged in weeks, and I'm guessing you know why. Med school has completely taken over. Which, is not a bad thing by any means, but I am still a huge proponent of balance. I guess I've just been balancing in other ways. Like I went one full work-week working out every morning. It was great! But, then I kind of stopped that streak...but then I made A LOT of healthy meals the following week, so there's that. In the midst of all the attempts of maintaining balance outside of med school, I've also been trying to figure out how I best study in this environment. And, I think that I have figured it out. It took me hitting my own personal reset button.
Pretty sunrises - perks to waking up early to work out
There was a day about two weeks ago, when out of the blue, I just got so unbelievably overwhelmed with everything. Nothing in particular happened, but it felt like being encapsulated by a wave of emotion. Now, if you read my blog, these moments are not really new to me haha But, the thing is, I always glean new insight from them. That's what I want to share with you today.
On that day, I took a moment to reset. I was not tired, I had been sleeping pretty consistently (see this blog post, I learned my lesson). So, I didn't take a nap. I literally just sat. And, I breathed. I didn't make a plan or a to-do list or go for a run. I did nothing. For about 15-20 minutes. I just sat. Okay, granted, I sat in the jacuzzi in my apartment complex - but nothing more! No talking, no thinking, just breathing. I highly recommend taking some time to simply stop.
If this is a concept I got from some show like Grey's Anatomy, I apologize that it's not original, but it's the best analogy I can think of right now. It's like when you're on a high-speed train. You can't simply jump off the track. It's going, and you are on it, you are going. And, sometimes amidst the hustle and bustle of the fast-moving train, you might forget to catch your breath. The good news is, the solution is simple. Just breathe. Just breathe.
I know, I know, this is TOTAL Grey's Anatomy territory, I am not doing this on purpose just because I am in medical school, now. Grey's Anatomy premiered and soared when I was in high school, so I practically grew up with the show, along with a handful of others, even when I didn't watch a season all the way through. I am a product of my generation, so sue me. But, I cannot think of any better song to reiterate this point than Anna Nalick's "Breathe (2 AM)". And, that's why it's today's pick. It's a fairly melancholy song with a somber theme, BUT it conveys a solid point with my favorite line.
Anna Nalick's " Breathe (2 AM)"
Favorite Lines
"There's a light at the end of this tunnel...
You're just as far in, as you'll ever be out
***
Breathe, just breathe"
For me, these lines in particular encourage trudging forward in spite of a rough patch. Maybe you get hit by a wave of overwhelming emotion. Breathe, move forward. Maybe you get hit by a disappoint. Breathe, keep walking through. Actually, let's do it right now. Stop reading. Take a deep breath. In and out.
Okay, start reading again. You can always begin again. Start fresh, start anew. Just take a minute to reset, and, really, just give yourself a break every now and then. Until next time, (**cough, cough** after the test **cough, cough**), my friends!
Hey guys! Here we are again for a Music Monday on a Tuesday. Yes, yes, I'm considering officially switching it to Tuesday's Tune...Nahh I don't like it! We'll see!
Anyhoo, as the blog title reads, I endured a surprise fever this weekend. THIS weekend of all weekends. I have my first big-girl medical school exams Wednesday and Friday, and believe you, me, I was ready for a weekend full of intense review. I got caught up with all the material on Thursday, marked out tasks in my planner, and reserved a study room for Friday through Monday night. Yeah, I was on top of things alright. I even went out to brunch with my lab partners before starting the 'big review' proud of having set up such a sweet deal.
The Hot Cocoa I got at brunch early Friday afternoon when I felt a SLIGHT tinge in my throat. Little did I know what would come next...
Then, as I was casually studying in said study room on Friday night, I could not help but notice the irritation in my throat and the stuffiness in my nose. I thought it was just some sort of placebo effect from having dissected and studied the Nasal Cavity and Pharynx just days before. But, then the sneezing happened. And, then the chills. And, then, I knew I had no choice but to go get medicine and go home to get some sleep.
Speaking of sleep. Remember that little line I said about sleep being something that should never be neglected? Welp, I was a hypocrite last week, and I severely shortened my sleep daily to ensure I had sufficiently covered everything by Friday. Did I mentioned I have my FIRST big-girl med school exams Wednesday and Friday, though?! As it turns out, sleep deprivation + (admittedly) mild stress over the aforementioned big-girl exams = a fever. A good ol' fashioned, run its course fever. I couldn't positive-think my way out of the sore throat, sinus congestion, body aches, and general discomfort that lasted a full 48 hours.
So, why tell you this tale of the weekend of super-studying that never was? To reiterate the fact that sleep really should never be neglected. And, this time, I mean it! One of my final papers in grad school was about the health benefits of sleep; I should have known better. But,then again, don't we all know better? I also tell you this to remind you that sometimes you just really can't stop the inevitable. You've got to let certain things run its course, and go with the flow of life without fretting.
The day that I started feeling a little better, Sunday, I actually got a lot done. I woke up - too late and too groggy to make it to church, unfortunately. But, after I showered, I felt it was time to clean up. Like, deep clean. I took all my recyclable items to get recycled. And, I spared my washer and dryer and went to the laundromat to wash all my sheets and comforter and towels all at once. Shout out to the nice older gentlemen who helped a sista out with getting a laundry card!. 'Preciated that. Unfortunately there are no pictures of these adventures since my phone was dying.
Nevertheless, when I got back and folded up all my clothes and linens and laid in a fresh bed. I literally felt the fever leaving my body, having run its course. Having taught me an important lesson. One must be sure to tend to their physical and mental well-being first, and then proceed to rock an awesome study plan. A reasonable sleep schedule should not feel like a luxury that I could do without, but rather a necessity that enables me to do the very best I can. Similarly, clearing the clutter from my apartment bedroom also helped to clear the mental clutter. I encourage anyone to do this. Also, it's remarkable how disorganized a closet can get even when all you wear everyday is scrubs.... Having a clear space to rest, and resting fully, is what healed me. Well, that and the electrolytes in Gatorade, the comfort of throat-soothing soup, and TheraFlu. Nevertheless, I want to remind y'all to create an environment conducive for not just sleep, but for rest, as well.
My Weekend: Soup, Gatorade, Tissues, Netter's Atlas. The total exam preparation package.
Another healing aspect of this weekend was getting checked in on by my classmates who are along this crazy journey with me. Sometimes sickness socially isolates you, so thank goodness for text messaging. Lastly, some good acoustic music helped mellow me out, too. And, there is this acoustic cover that I am currently obsessed with, so it deserves to be this week's Music Monday.
Boyce Avenue's rendition of "Demons" by Imagine Dragons
Favorite Lines
"Don't get too close,
It's dark inside.
It's where my demons hide.
It'w where my demons hide."
***********************
Your eyes they shine so bright,
I wanna save that light.
I can't escape this now,
Unless you show me how"
Was that not one of the most beautifully done covers you have ever heard? If not, go listen to the original, appreciate that, then listen to this one, and LOVE IT. Or, don't, it's really not that big of a deal. :-) The other thing I love, besides their artistic ability to remix the beat and beautifully harmonize, are the lyrics. After perusing some internet opinion, I came to the conclusion that this song is basically a plea from one person to the other with whom they are in relationship to look away from their "demons", their flaws. It's like the one person is trying to push the other away before those flaws are revealed. This is melancholy, at first. But, then, they say. "I can't escape this now, unless you show me how." And, that, my friends, is the power of genuine relationships. We all have flaws that we would rather keep from those we want to get close to. Flaws make you vulnerable. It's uncomfortable, disconcerting. Yet, we need each other to bring out the best in us by helping us get through the messes of us. If that makes sense. I just really wanted to rhyme. But, I hope you get the point. Be open, be vulnerable.
This post was full of a lengthy string of thoughts. So, to put it all together: get restful sleep to heal and replenish, go with the flow of life and don't fret, and boldly share your vulnerability with those you care about and who care about you, too. Happy Tuesday, my friends. :-D
When did you first stop believing? When was it that you halted yourself from fully giving in to a hope or desire? Was it when someone said something like "great romantic relationships only exist in fairy tales"? Or, was it when you studied all week - day and night - for an exam and ended up with a C? Did a lab partner understand the material better than you? How about when you joked with your friends, "maybe he's just not that in to me, whatever, I'm over him anyway"? Did you have a meeting with a professor who told you to reconsider your career aspirations to become a doctor? Did a friendship turn out to be not at all what you thought it would be? When did you first stop believing, stop hoping, for a dream to come to fruition?
I have countless examples from my own experience and observances of others' of moments when a bubble was burst in some area of life. None of us are strangers to the disappointments or unexpected twists along this path of life. But, how often do we muster up the courage to believe again? To trust that even though one experience went awry before, that doesn't taint the experience from there on out. I've been in medical school for a solid month now - by the way - have you noticed that time moves at warp speed? Especially when studying & taking a blog break? Is it just me? I digress. As I was saying, I've been in medical school for a month now, which is so bizarre. I remember when I did get a poor grade on all the exams and had to retake a class. I remember when I did have that conversation with a professor about not becoming a doctor, after all. I remember when I first stop believing that I could become an effective physician to my future patients. But, then, I remembered when I decided to believe again.
I recalled the energy that came with the determination to diligently pursue the dream that just wouldn't go away -- no matter how many other career paths I considered. I also recalled refusing to deny the part of me that is creative and talkative and interdisciplinary, who wanted to integrate all my life interests into a rewarding and fulfilling vocation. I recalled when I believed again.
This aforementioned mental tangent made me wonder. How many times in life do we let hopes and dream pass us by for fear that it won't actually happen? Or from fear that we will get disappointed yet again? But, what of this fear? Why does IT get a say in how we think or feel? I briefly glanced at this article, and instantly loved the following quote:
"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be" Lao Tzu
That pretty much sums it up. Release those fears that prevent you for progressing forward. I encourage you to believe, to hope, to dream, again and always. And, trust yourself to do so. It's the beauty of being human. Of being alive. As long as I breathe, I hope.
Now, technically this post was written on Monday during a study break, sooo we agree that this can be tagged as a Music Monday post, right? Tuesday's Tune? Both? Great! I think you saw this song choice coming...
Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'"
"Don't stop believin', hold on to that feeling."
I have belted this song out on a karaoke bar stage more than once, and I'll do it again! You should, too. Peace easy, my friends!
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!
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!
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!
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 :-)
Practicing yoga in nature, old pic - not from this morning's class
Hello blog-o-sphere! First off can I please just say how incredible it feels to do yoga in the morning?! Words cannot describe. I forgot the feeling! I ended up going to the morning session today rather my usual Monday early evening session because a dinner got switched from Saturday to Monday. It wasn't until after I confirmed my attendance at the newly set day that I realized this change would mean I would miss my last yoga session at the studio before I move! Naturally, I was bummed. For like, 24 full hours. Then, I remembered the Monday morning sessions that I usually didn't intend.And, like I said - it's just a different feeling doing yoga in the morning versus the evening. Even though it wasn't what I originally planned on, it was an invigorating change, once I welcomed it.
Which got me thinking about "things not going according to plan". It's easy for me to go with the flow of change with things like yoga sessions or even having to defer entering into medical school, like I did last year. But, with some other things - not so much. Not literally but quite figuratively I feel like I leave a comfort zone kicking and screaming in other areas of my life - especially when it comes to personal growth, relationships, and such like. We often hear that God opens doors for us. Over the past couple of months, it has become abundantly clear to me that He also emphatically closes - nay, SHUTS, doors, too. Which is not as fun as an open door, trust me. So, what do make of these disappointments or unexpected setbacks? What do you do when you feel discouraged or in a rut? I've not quite figured it out, and something tells me navigating through those waters is different for everybody. So, why not just smile? What else are you gonna do?
I'm not advocating smiling to hide your pain. I think repressing painful emotions is a sure way to have them erupt at the most inconvenient times. Conversely, smiling in spite of the pain requires a subtle strength that facilitates personal growth. I'm convinced that smiling is a better way of coping. So, smile. And enjoy TWO song suggestions for today.
Kirk Franklin's "Smile"
Favorite Lines
I know God is working, so I smile
Even though I've been here for a while, I smile
*******************
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile
And, here's another one. Which, I may or may not have already used on a Music Monday post before...feel free to check, I'm not going to at this moment.
Vitamin C's "Smile"
Favorite Lines:
But, you get what you give in this life that we live
And all that you do come back to you
Life, it ain't easy, it's so tough, it ain't easy,
So, whatcha wanna do, whatcha wanna do
Put a smile on your face!
It's plain and simple, but not easy. Takes practice and diligence. So, what puts a smile on your face?
Lastly, speaking of smiling. Here's my Love the Skin You're In (aka Glow & Tell Challenge) Update:
I have been using Mary Kay's Botanical Effects skin care products for 12 days now, and I do think there's a bit of a glow there! Maybe it's the lighting. You be the judge. But, I can definitely say that my skin feels SO much softer and smooth! It's just very refreshing to have a skin care regimen with products where you can almost immediately tell the difference. Morning & Night - cleanser, toner, moisturizer. Twice a week - skin mask! It's takes 5 minutes, tops, and it's just so refreshing.
That's my health & wellness tip for the week. Whatever products you choose, just stay consistent!
I know today is technically Tuesday, but I kind of like the idea keeping track of all the Music Monday posts, so here we are. Today's tune comes from the ever-thoughtful curbside prophet himself, Jason Mraz. I first heard this song sometime this Spring semester while working on my thesis. It was an instant gem added to my "Relentless Positive Thinking" YouTube playlist. (By the way, I highly recommend having "Relentless Positive Thinking" YouTube playlists that you listen to...relentlessly.) I revisited this song yesterday as I began to reflect on transitioning into a new month with a new perspective. I just love starting anew and new beginnings. It's like the sunrise of each day, a fresh start. I get this momentum of transition each time the first of the month rolls around. I'm moving later on in July - so that will be a major transition for me in and of itself. As I begin to finalize the details of my move and tie up loose ends here and there, naturally, I begin to feeling completely overwhelmed. How to deal? Take every task one step at a time. Lamenting time past and fretting over the future warrants nothing more than more lamentation and frustration. Thus, I present to you a beautiful reminder of how to "live in the moment"...
Jason Mraz "Living in the Moment"
Favorite Verse:
I'm letting myself off the hook for things I've done I let my past go past And now I'm having more fun I'm letting go of the thoughts That do not do not make me strong And I believe this way can be the same for everyone
And there are plenty more nuggets of wisdom embedded in this song. I have to remind myself to discard non-supportive thoughts about the past, present or future at any given circumstance in life. It's definitely a lot more fun that way. Besides, isn't life meant to be more abundant? In hot yoga yesterday, I recognized a poster that said, "Presence heals." True words. After all, the a present is a gift! ;-) PUN INTENDED and RELISHED. Live in the moment, my friends.
I was reading through an old journal post of mine, and it said the following: "A broken heart grows back stronger, not harder, but more resilient, more able to love extravagantly and to withstand love more powerful than you can imagine. Because when you allow your heart to heal properly, you're also nourishing its growth." I know right?? So deep!
As I've been going to through my own season of healing this past semester, I've come across some really poignant messages of encouragement along the way. It is so interesting how love and relationships are the common ground upon which all humankind can meet. We all can relate to what it feels like to love and what love lost feels like, too. It binds us altogether in this human experience. We were created for relationships. Of course this extends beyond romantic relationships, but those are no less important in our daily lives though sometimes I think they can get a bad rap. What is it that makes us so cynical towards the idea of being vulnerable in relationships? What is it that makes us so afraid to keep trudging forward and to try again? I'm not judging because I've harbored such feelings, as well. But, at what expense?
Sociologist Brene Brown (link to her iconic TED talk is above!) has done extensive research in this area. Also, recently I was recommended this book discussing how to love deeper and well. I think our apprehension and discouragement comes from a widespread societal fear that is bred by the media. Negative expectations bring about negative experience, and vice versa. Which brings us to the ever elusive conundrum of "which comes first?" It could even be rooted in a primal self-preserving instinct to not get hurt. I don't know that there's a clear "answer", but it's worth the mental exercise to figure out what your own particular hangups and tendencies might be.
If there's one thing I've learned about myself throughout these relational trials, it's that I'm the type of person who takes the risk to fall in love and to love deeply. That might be a way to also hurt deeply if love isn't reciprocated, but I'm finding that you "cannot selectively numb". I feel it all. The joy, the excitement but also the pain and despair. And, then again, the hope and the love. You can't feel some emotions and not the others. God gave us this full, diverse spectrum of emotions to truly experience life. To dare to feel is to dare to live fully.
So, with that super long prelude, I encourage you to jam out to one of my personal all-time favorites, "Brave" by Sara Bareilles.
My favorite line is, "Maybe there's a way out of the cage where you live. Maybe one of these days you can let the light in."
I listened to this song on the way to a second date once, and trust me it is very fitting for pumping yourself up for allowing romantic relationships. (It is also very effective for running that last mile - I can attest to this!) So, go boldly towards whatever it is that you're wanting but might be afraid of. Whether it be telling someone how you feel, or ushering in a season of singleness to move past hurt and embrace self-discovery, or some beautiful combination of both, or something different altogether - I wanna see you be brave!
The impetus of change can feel overwhelming - especially when you're finding it hard to go with the wave of change. A long time ago, I wrote a blog post entitled "The Art of Letting Go". It wasn't until recently, however, that I have been learning The Art of Allowing. I truly have come to understand what this means in my life. Sometimes we make decisions that takes us into the unknown; sometimes others make decisions that impact us greatly. Regardless the source, in order to allow something new, we've got to learn how to peacefully let go of the old. And to release with gratitude seems to be a powerful way to allow the new.
I heard this song a couple of weeks ago. This wasn't my first time hearing it, but this time, the last chorus really resonated with me:
Thank you Providence
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you nothingness
Thank you clarity
Thank you, thank you silence
Earlier this semester, when my stress levels were peaking trying to balance work, school and life's daily challenges, I made a point to walk. Now, usually I prefer to run to work out - especially that nice time of year in Dallas where the weather isn't totally sizzling hot (It's called AprMay, I'm pretty sure and it only lasts about two weeks, in total...). However, around this time, I felt the need to slow down. Slow everything down. My pattern of speaking, my racing thoughts, even my workout. Walking through this trail near my house, I took it one step further and turned off my music (...or maybe I was listening to some talk on YouTube...or maybe an audio book, but I digress); I made a point to get completely silent. And, I realized that it is in those silent, meditative moments of nothingness that we can receive clarity. Clarity of thought, clarity in decisions. (But I admit, I wasn't completely "unplugged" and I took these photos - see below!)
This silent walk and many after it have helped me to regain perspective. Sometimes we get disappointed with how things turn out in life - or at least how they currently seem to be turning out. Dreams unfulfilled can really make us feel disillusioned. Nevertheless, we can be thankful because these events have the potential to yield a serene feeling of knowing that everything happens the way they're supposed to - it's Providence. You never know which one of life's little miracles are at the next step. Sure, when you're stuck in between, you can feel a little hesitant, unsure, doubtful. But, just wait. Be silent. Proceed on. And, above all, be grateful for life's beautiful journey.
