Finding a Better Way to...Believe

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!

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!