Today I went grocery shopping.. at three different markets with Jennifer and Michelle. We started at 1:30 and got back at 6 pm. I thought I was done for the day and proceeded to iron my clothes, until I remembered that I had an ER rotation at Broward General in Ft. Lauderdale (4 min away) at 6:30 pm. I went, say nothing until about 10:30 pm when an elderly man with multiple stab wounds came in. Very educational.
Went to Denny's and shared brinner with Adam and came home to write in this.
Good day.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Modesty
Nothing lasts forever; how tragically beautiful it is
that we may live as if tomorrow could take the love and fortunes of today.
Hold dearly to the things that matter most and cast aside
those that do not.
Live with kindness and generosity; be honest and loyal to
those around you but remain firm to your principles and goals.
I am so thankful to be where I am right now, to have the friends that I have, to be on the road to something amazing. Thank you so much.
V
Saturday, November 12, 2011
AMA Conference - New Orleans
One of the events I was most looking forward to in coming to
medical school was attending one of the AMA conferences Ross was telling me
about over the time he was involved with AMA-FMA during his first and second
years. Ross had always been interested in politics and found the AMA-FMA
Medical Student Section to be a way where he could fulfill two of his greatest
interest by helping to influence medicine and politics.
I’d have to thank Ross for introducing me to such as notable
organization – there are many opportunities for networking and having an impact
in medicine! We left for our trip to New Orleans, the setting for this year’s
Interim Conference, on Thursday at 3 pm. Before I get into details of how the
trip went, perhaps explaining how badly the trip was organized could put things
into more perspective.
-
The conference began on Thursday morning/afternoon
which contained introductions and important orientation information – we got to
New Orleans at 1 am Louisiana time (Mountain time?).
-
FIU is right next to Miami International Airport
– For some reason we had our flight booked at Ft. Lauderdale International
Airport, costing us more money and time to get back home
-
Our flight had two stops, the first to HOUSTON,
TEXAS and then onward to NOLA.
-
They booked our hotel in Baton Rouge, rather
than in the same town as the conference like every other school.
o
In addition to this, they expected us to use a
taxi every time we needed to travel somewhere.
§
The most unrealistic aspect of the trip by far
§
Logically, we decided as a group to get a rental
car instead, this proved to be vital.
All complaints aside, as I said before, we arrived at our
hotel in Baton Rouge at 1 am in the morning and had our two hotel rooms. Those
who came to the conference were:
-
Myself (Vice Chair)
-
Gabriel Sanchez (Chair)
-
Lynn Zaremski (Secretary)
-
Chris Plecia (AMA Delegate)
-
Tim Lu (Interested Student)
-
David Weithorn (Interested Student)
-
Neeva Bose (Former Chair)
The first day of the conference was exciting although a
little boring at the same time. In the morning, I went with Chris to the main
ballroom to listen to the different resolutions brought up and presented by
difference medical schools all across the country. Chris and I sat at the
Florida tables (which by far was the most represented state, thanks to UF and
USF bringing over 100 people in total), and upon coincidence I found myself sat
next to my old friend, Ross. The meeting was in full swing so we didn’t spend
too much time talking; however it was a breath a fresh air for me to see a
familiar face. Afterwards, presentations were taking place all over the conference;
all of us in our professional attire attended those presentations we felt were
the most interesting.
The day, for the most part, was done by 6 pm; from 10:30 am
to 1:30 pm we went as a group to get to know New Orleans. The city was
Monday, October 31, 2011
Focus
The exercise of focusing has left me since GMC, I feel like I see the results of not practicing it every day clearly. I don't want to appear aloof, especially if I'm trying to make a good impression.
I'll leave it at that, learn from my mistakes. No one is perfect but they can certainly makes less mistakes than I do.
I'll leave it at that, learn from my mistakes. No one is perfect but they can certainly makes less mistakes than I do.
V
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Doing the best
The thing on my mind a lot is determining what I would like to get good at. I experiment with a lot of different things to see if i enjoy it enough to be passionate with it (other than medicine).
In a way I remind myself of the CMC, I feel like I'm close though.
Today Han came to Miami from Orlando for his Interview at FIU HWCOM. I'm excited for him, I hope he gets accepted. I'm glad I could hang out with my good friend again.
In a way I remind myself of the CMC, I feel like I'm close though.
Today Han came to Miami from Orlando for his Interview at FIU HWCOM. I'm excited for him, I hope he gets accepted. I'm glad I could hang out with my good friend again.
V
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Today I learned...
I am incapable of higher level thinking on two occasions:
- If I have not eaten anything in the past 3 hours
- Directly after finishing a workout of some kind (whether it be weights or any kind of cardio)
- Directly after finishing a workout of some kind (whether it be weights or any kind of cardio)
- Conversely, my level of thinking and speed is generally very high WHILE working out.
Back to studying
V
Monday, October 10, 2011
Been too long - Many things, many things
Too many things.
I should stay consistent here. There are too many things that happen everyday for it to be routine enough to NOT write in here. hmm.
I have become better at focusing, though I still need to improve. I lack discipline when it comes to things I really want to do. hmm.
I think ... where to start...
This weekend, starting on Friday was a roller coaster of events. I was talking to mami over the phone when she told me that Michael was feeling despressed about his upcoming test. I know how it feels to be lonely, perhaps not so much before medical school but definitely during it. A couple of hours later I decide against heading to Michelle's and Jenn's place for margarita's and decided to head home at 8:30 pm. It was raining like no other, at times I couldn't see 20 ft in front of me, but the longer I drove home the more it felt like I was doing the right thing.
On the drive over, I kept thinking about how I was going to approach Michael, how I was going to enter the house and reassure him that everything was going to be OK. I didn't tell mami or papi that I was coming home so it would have been a big surprise. As soon as I came home, I opened the garage door and knocked on Michael's door, he responded thinking I was someone else. I came in and he said, "oh, are you here for the weekend?" to which I said, "I'm here to see you" after which I hugged him and reassured him that I know it was hard but he can do it. He pushed me away and said that he got this. I believed him. He told me to go say hi to mami + papi so I went up to them while they were sleeping, like old times, and whispered their names. Mami woke up first and she said, "Michael?" to which I said, "No." As sleepy as she was, she went up and gave me a huge hug, she said she had never felt that kind of happiness ever in her life; I could say I felt similarly, I could feel her emotions so clearly.
I studied for a little bit then went to bed.
The next day mami was determined for me to fix things with Michael because of his sadness. I didn't want Michael to be sad anymore, I wanted him to know that there was someone always here to help him or be there to talk to him. She told me to get him to open up and say his feelings, no matter how loud or tumultuous it may be. I don't want to get into the details, but what ensued was a bitter hour of feuding, crying, begging, talking, and petty rants. As much as mami said it was at least eye-opening, I felt as though things only got worse between us. I felt at that point that the only way to make things at least a bit better would be to head back to Miami very soon. I felt around 5:30 pm and around 6:30 pm I spun out on the highway and crashed into a guard rail. I was fine, but the car (although working) didn't look so hot.
I felt that day (10/8/2011) was one where I definitely lost some battles; I felt defeated. After my parents assured me that we'd work things out, I headed to Miami the following morning via a Taxi service where we picked up several people on the way to Miami to drop people off from Orlando. We left at 6 am from my house and I arrived at my apartment at 12 pm on the dot, just in time to catch the final two games of the Inaugural Dean's Cup at FIU where the college of medicine was going up against the college of law in three game of kickball, football and softball. What ended up happening was that we won (HWCOM!); didn't really study this weekend.
I just wanted to write about that, get it off my chest and onto somewhere where I can at least revisit what happened.
Starting today I want to grow determination, discipline to do the things I have always wanted to do. Tonight, I will sleep at midnight to wake up at 5:30 pm to go to the gym. Tonight, I will focus on studying and doing things on my to-do list I have set for today. Each day has to be taken where every minute is precious. Focus on one task and do it well. The same goes for every hobby one takes on in life.
Especially in Medical school, time is very valuable... I want to get better at piano, I want to learn more theory. I want to get stronger/faster. I want to do better in my classes. I want to do all these things.
I'll write more later.
I should stay consistent here. There are too many things that happen everyday for it to be routine enough to NOT write in here. hmm.
I have become better at focusing, though I still need to improve. I lack discipline when it comes to things I really want to do. hmm.
I think ... where to start...
This weekend, starting on Friday was a roller coaster of events. I was talking to mami over the phone when she told me that Michael was feeling despressed about his upcoming test. I know how it feels to be lonely, perhaps not so much before medical school but definitely during it. A couple of hours later I decide against heading to Michelle's and Jenn's place for margarita's and decided to head home at 8:30 pm. It was raining like no other, at times I couldn't see 20 ft in front of me, but the longer I drove home the more it felt like I was doing the right thing.
On the drive over, I kept thinking about how I was going to approach Michael, how I was going to enter the house and reassure him that everything was going to be OK. I didn't tell mami or papi that I was coming home so it would have been a big surprise. As soon as I came home, I opened the garage door and knocked on Michael's door, he responded thinking I was someone else. I came in and he said, "oh, are you here for the weekend?" to which I said, "I'm here to see you" after which I hugged him and reassured him that I know it was hard but he can do it. He pushed me away and said that he got this. I believed him. He told me to go say hi to mami + papi so I went up to them while they were sleeping, like old times, and whispered their names. Mami woke up first and she said, "Michael?" to which I said, "No." As sleepy as she was, she went up and gave me a huge hug, she said she had never felt that kind of happiness ever in her life; I could say I felt similarly, I could feel her emotions so clearly.
I studied for a little bit then went to bed.
The next day mami was determined for me to fix things with Michael because of his sadness. I didn't want Michael to be sad anymore, I wanted him to know that there was someone always here to help him or be there to talk to him. She told me to get him to open up and say his feelings, no matter how loud or tumultuous it may be. I don't want to get into the details, but what ensued was a bitter hour of feuding, crying, begging, talking, and petty rants. As much as mami said it was at least eye-opening, I felt as though things only got worse between us. I felt at that point that the only way to make things at least a bit better would be to head back to Miami very soon. I felt around 5:30 pm and around 6:30 pm I spun out on the highway and crashed into a guard rail. I was fine, but the car (although working) didn't look so hot.
I felt that day (10/8/2011) was one where I definitely lost some battles; I felt defeated. After my parents assured me that we'd work things out, I headed to Miami the following morning via a Taxi service where we picked up several people on the way to Miami to drop people off from Orlando. We left at 6 am from my house and I arrived at my apartment at 12 pm on the dot, just in time to catch the final two games of the Inaugural Dean's Cup at FIU where the college of medicine was going up against the college of law in three game of kickball, football and softball. What ended up happening was that we won (HWCOM!); didn't really study this weekend.
I just wanted to write about that, get it off my chest and onto somewhere where I can at least revisit what happened.
Starting today I want to grow determination, discipline to do the things I have always wanted to do. Tonight, I will sleep at midnight to wake up at 5:30 pm to go to the gym. Tonight, I will focus on studying and doing things on my to-do list I have set for today. Each day has to be taken where every minute is precious. Focus on one task and do it well. The same goes for every hobby one takes on in life.
Especially in Medical school, time is very valuable... I want to get better at piano, I want to learn more theory. I want to get stronger/faster. I want to do better in my classes. I want to do all these things.
I'll write more later.
V
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Observation
I study better at school during the day and study better at home during the night.
Will post a more comprehensive post soon, just have to learn this case about myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers.
Will post a more comprehensive post soon, just have to learn this case about myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Somtimes...
It's nice just fix things up, tidy up the apartment and plan things you'll be looking forward to.
Sometimes, it's the simple life that's appealing.
Thank you family and friends; today and always, life is beautiful and I couldn't imagine it without you.
Sometimes, it's the simple life that's appealing.
Thank you family and friends; today and always, life is beautiful and I couldn't imagine it without you.
V
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Goals
My goal in High School was to be better than those around me through academics (as snobby as this sounds, it was a sincere attempt to go farther in life).
My goal in college was to get into medical school so that one day I will be a doctor
My goal in medical school is lacking
I've lost sight of my goal.
I need to explore and realize it before I get too deep.
My goal in college was to get into medical school so that one day I will be a doctor
My goal in medical school is lacking
I've lost sight of my goal.
I need to explore and realize it before I get too deep.
V
P.S. It's gotten so bad (the distractions) that I have not been able to keep up with the 5 things to do everyday.
I want to...
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Living Two Weeks at a Time
Today, I tried my hand at meditating for about 15 minutes. What has transpired from a proposed short break and honest effort to relax devolved into a full on hour-long nap. I woke up in a panic, quite possibly the worst feeling in the world; peace comes during sleep but the realization of the mountain of work to be done leaves peace almost like an undesirable wish.
That was a little dramatic to be honest. In truth, I haven't woken up like that since that Clinical Neuroanatomy final exam back in Fall of 2009 at Ben's apartment.
Just doing my best for now.
That was a little dramatic to be honest. In truth, I haven't woken up like that since that Clinical Neuroanatomy final exam back in Fall of 2009 at Ben's apartment.
Just doing my best for now.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Home and Back Again
This Friday, I went back home with the help of my friend Faisal. He was headed back home to Ocala so he was nice enough to drop me off to Orlando. I brought my bike with me to get the brakes fixed along with all my study things.
I feel as though the stay was very therapeutic, I know I have to do my best for my family and myself; sometimes it takes actually seeing your motivation right in front of you to determine how important it really is.
Last night I went downtown with Sheila, Katie, Sheila H., Garret and Yannik (with some of Katie's other friends) to a club called Touch. Part of me wishes I didn't go last night and part of me wanted to. I had wanted to finish up the studying for the day but ran out of time in doing so. Tonight I'll have to do my best. It was a really fun time, however, I was happy to see my friends. More so than seeing my friends, I was delighted to be able to spend time with my family again. This morning we went and had breakfast at Panera together. After eating, Michael went on his way to school to study; it seems that his master's program is definitely challenging - we're both in hot water if we don't study everyday.
Faisal came by around 1:10 this afternoon and we loaded everything in the car. It breaks my heart every time I leave, seeing my dad close to tears - he really does miss me, I wish I didn't have to do that to him. I miss him, mami and especially Michael - I love him more than anyone, I hope he really sees that....
We got to Miami by 5 but I'm studying now at 7 pm. I need to do my best today to catch up! I will... I have to!
Three things:
- I'm grateful Faisal was kind enough to bring me to Orlando and back to Miami and letting me bring my bike! It was definitely something I needed to do and having a friend along the way was nice.
- I'm thankful for still having my room back at home - it means a lot to me as I'm sure for my family. I will always have a place back at home.
- I am thankful for Herney for considering having me helping him out in his laboratory. I hope it becomes a reality; there's nothing better than working with someone who cares about you!
I did not exercise today... I have to play catch-up. I need to do my best first
I meditated... not really. Didn't do that... nope (there's still time tonight!)
I feel as though the stay was very therapeutic, I know I have to do my best for my family and myself; sometimes it takes actually seeing your motivation right in front of you to determine how important it really is.
Last night I went downtown with Sheila, Katie, Sheila H., Garret and Yannik (with some of Katie's other friends) to a club called Touch. Part of me wishes I didn't go last night and part of me wanted to. I had wanted to finish up the studying for the day but ran out of time in doing so. Tonight I'll have to do my best. It was a really fun time, however, I was happy to see my friends. More so than seeing my friends, I was delighted to be able to spend time with my family again. This morning we went and had breakfast at Panera together. After eating, Michael went on his way to school to study; it seems that his master's program is definitely challenging - we're both in hot water if we don't study everyday.
Faisal came by around 1:10 this afternoon and we loaded everything in the car. It breaks my heart every time I leave, seeing my dad close to tears - he really does miss me, I wish I didn't have to do that to him. I miss him, mami and especially Michael - I love him more than anyone, I hope he really sees that....
We got to Miami by 5 but I'm studying now at 7 pm. I need to do my best today to catch up! I will... I have to!
Three things:
- I'm grateful Faisal was kind enough to bring me to Orlando and back to Miami and letting me bring my bike! It was definitely something I needed to do and having a friend along the way was nice.
- I'm thankful for still having my room back at home - it means a lot to me as I'm sure for my family. I will always have a place back at home.
- I am thankful for Herney for considering having me helping him out in his laboratory. I hope it becomes a reality; there's nothing better than working with someone who cares about you!
I did not exercise today... I have to play catch-up. I need to do my best first
I meditated... not really. Didn't do that... nope (there's still time tonight!)
V
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Troubling
I have never felt myself in a position where I wasn't one of the best in my class. Medical school has proven itself to be a challenging adversary. I will do my best to do the impossible!
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Night Before the Midterm
I went to school today to begin reviewing for the midterm exam we have tomorrow morning for the Genes, Molecules and Cells class. I studied from 9:30 am to about 8:00 pm and decided that I needed to take a break.
I came home and talked to my family for a good 40 minutes, all the while making dinner at the same time. I linked mami the TED talk that I mentioned yesterday so she could understand what I've been wanting to do for the next month or so. I think she liked it because she never called me back (like I told her to do after she was done watching the video). I had just finished eating the dinner I made (Rice and lentils, this time I used two leeks and cilantro with the rice! Just like home...) and after I finish writing in this blog I will continue reviewing for tomorrow (rested and all that).
So.. things I'm grateful for today.
1) I am grateful to have friends here that share their knowledge and stick together in times of peril (studying!) and who are also very friendly. I think I said this yesterday to some extent but not about the whole studying together thing.
2) I'm thankful to live in a state that, although lately has been covered in showers, is typically embraced in Sunshine. The Sun's light makes everything look alive and positive, I love it.
3) I'm grateful for my truck that brings me to school every once in a while. On that note I am grateful to have a bike as reliable as mine (Giant brand mountain bike - model = boulder), I'll get it fixed it when I come back to Orlando this weekend!
I told Yannik that he should reschedule his train ticket for next weekend so that I can come to Orlando this weekend. I hope he took it well, I really want to come back home and really this weekend is the only time I can!
Well, I better get back to studying; being positive is one thing, studying with determination is another - regardless, I feel good about this test!
I came home and talked to my family for a good 40 minutes, all the while making dinner at the same time. I linked mami the TED talk that I mentioned yesterday so she could understand what I've been wanting to do for the next month or so. I think she liked it because she never called me back (like I told her to do after she was done watching the video). I had just finished eating the dinner I made (Rice and lentils, this time I used two leeks and cilantro with the rice! Just like home...) and after I finish writing in this blog I will continue reviewing for tomorrow (rested and all that).
So.. things I'm grateful for today.
1) I am grateful to have friends here that share their knowledge and stick together in times of peril (studying!) and who are also very friendly. I think I said this yesterday to some extent but not about the whole studying together thing.
2) I'm thankful to live in a state that, although lately has been covered in showers, is typically embraced in Sunshine. The Sun's light makes everything look alive and positive, I love it.
3) I'm grateful for my truck that brings me to school every once in a while. On that note I am grateful to have a bike as reliable as mine (Giant brand mountain bike - model = boulder), I'll get it fixed it when I come back to Orlando this weekend!
I told Yannik that he should reschedule his train ticket for next weekend so that I can come to Orlando this weekend. I hope he took it well, I really want to come back home and really this weekend is the only time I can!
Well, I better get back to studying; being positive is one thing, studying with determination is another - regardless, I feel good about this test!
 |
| Medical School group we went skydiving in Homestead. It was my first time flying. There's no thrill so awesome. |
V
Learning to study
So over the past month, I have needed to learn how to adjust my study habits in order to attain a high-yield approach to learning all the material for Medical School.
Since med school classes contain a tremendous increase of information compared to undergraduate courses, my normal method of studying has proven to be inefficient and out of date. The consequence of this is my grades have so far been unremarkable, however I know I have made significant progress in finding the best way to study.
This is what I have learned so far:
- No more making "quiz question" style study guides - They take too long, are too detailed, and do not focus on the main topics (aka is low yield). Although the benefit of doing this is the ability to memorize EVERYTHING, this is certainly not efficient for studying (especially if you have 37 ppt lectures for one test)
- The Power point lecture notes ARE YOUR NOTES - use them to study!
This is what I have for now. Gotta go study
Since med school classes contain a tremendous increase of information compared to undergraduate courses, my normal method of studying has proven to be inefficient and out of date. The consequence of this is my grades have so far been unremarkable, however I know I have made significant progress in finding the best way to study.
This is what I have learned so far:
- No more making "quiz question" style study guides - They take too long, are too detailed, and do not focus on the main topics (aka is low yield). Although the benefit of doing this is the ability to memorize EVERYTHING, this is certainly not efficient for studying (especially if you have 37 ppt lectures for one test)
- The Power point lecture notes ARE YOUR NOTES - use them to study!
- Read over the lecture once and write down any significant details you may have come across on blank sheets of paper (it may be better to write down the notes on a second run-through of the lecture immediately after the first reading run-through, so you don't focus too much on the smaller details)
- These notes will most likely become higher yield than the ppt lectures in the future
- Tegrity is a good resource if you have been to class; if you don't go to class, it takes a significantly longer time for you to go through a lecture.
This is what I have for now. Gotta go study
V
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The First Month
After a whole month of medical school, so much has transpired... I've learned so many things in such a short period of time, it's really hard to mention everything that has happened so far. What I can say in the brief moments that I have before I continue to study for my midterm exam is that despite all of the time I don't have and being away from everyone I love, I truly am happy.
I'm very grateful to be at this point in my life. I have made many new friends here, and even those who I am not very close to are very interesting, exciting and all around nice guys. My apartment is still taking shape - I try to get things for it when I can although it is pretty much in the same state from when I finished unpacking everything. I had an ant problem that was getting worse everyday until about a week ago when I bought ant killer/barrier and a new trashcan - it seems now that the ants are kept at bay.. for now.
It seems kind of silly that this is the topic that I chose to write about for an entry that I haven't written in about a month. The fact is that this is just what's on my mind at the moment. Today I saw a TED talk that was linked on the FIU HWCOM Class of 2015 page which talked about happiness. It was comforting to hear from the speaker that a lot of what I preach to myself was somehow confirmed by what he was talking about. He stated something along the lines that we direct our happiness in the direction of progress, at the goals we set, but if reach these goals we just make even greater goals and therefore never reach happiness. His rebuttal to this concept was that people should instead take time and be gracious about the things they already had. To do this, he suggested a plan for people to undertake so that in about 20 days, people will notice an increase in their happiness, so to speak.
The plan is the following:
I plan to do this list everyday, at least until time runs out. What I think is clever about this proposal set by this man is that by the end of 20 days, most people will more than likely develop a habit of performing these tasks everyday (perpetual bliss?). The three gratitudes are to remind ourselves of the great people and things we have in our lives. Journaling helps to reflect on everyday and to focus on the positive. Exercise keeps the body healthy and strong and also boosts confidence. Meditation prepares the mind for the upcoming day - days more efficient and more clearly thought out. Finally, random/purposeful acts of kindness bring out the best in all of us and lets us be proud of ourselves in how we treat each other.
Let's start:
Three Gratitudes -
1 - I am grateful that I am in the position to be able to say that I am working really, really hard in studying for my medical school midterm exam in the Genes, Molecules and Cells class. I know many people would really want to be in my position right now, I have to do my best!
2 - I am grateful to have a family that thinks about me everyday no matter how far away I am. Their kindness is my strength and their love my shield. I love them so much.
3 - I am grateful to be healthy. Of all things that medicine has taught me so far is that illness comes in hundreds and thousands of forms that could easily take a hold of any one of us. To be in a healthy state that I am in right now is something quite rare and for this I am very grateful.
I am blogging right now so I suppose it counts towards "journaling." The rest of the list would have to be completed tomorrow. I'm glad I set aside time today to write a little bit about what goes on in my medical school life; I've learned finally here at FIU HWCOM that you have to make time for the things you love and are passionate about.
To end I will include a picture everyday from my adventures here in Miami.
I'm very grateful to be at this point in my life. I have made many new friends here, and even those who I am not very close to are very interesting, exciting and all around nice guys. My apartment is still taking shape - I try to get things for it when I can although it is pretty much in the same state from when I finished unpacking everything. I had an ant problem that was getting worse everyday until about a week ago when I bought ant killer/barrier and a new trashcan - it seems now that the ants are kept at bay.. for now.
It seems kind of silly that this is the topic that I chose to write about for an entry that I haven't written in about a month. The fact is that this is just what's on my mind at the moment. Today I saw a TED talk that was linked on the FIU HWCOM Class of 2015 page which talked about happiness. It was comforting to hear from the speaker that a lot of what I preach to myself was somehow confirmed by what he was talking about. He stated something along the lines that we direct our happiness in the direction of progress, at the goals we set, but if reach these goals we just make even greater goals and therefore never reach happiness. His rebuttal to this concept was that people should instead take time and be gracious about the things they already had. To do this, he suggested a plan for people to undertake so that in about 20 days, people will notice an increase in their happiness, so to speak.
The plan is the following:
I plan to do this list everyday, at least until time runs out. What I think is clever about this proposal set by this man is that by the end of 20 days, most people will more than likely develop a habit of performing these tasks everyday (perpetual bliss?). The three gratitudes are to remind ourselves of the great people and things we have in our lives. Journaling helps to reflect on everyday and to focus on the positive. Exercise keeps the body healthy and strong and also boosts confidence. Meditation prepares the mind for the upcoming day - days more efficient and more clearly thought out. Finally, random/purposeful acts of kindness bring out the best in all of us and lets us be proud of ourselves in how we treat each other.
Let's start:
Three Gratitudes -
1 - I am grateful that I am in the position to be able to say that I am working really, really hard in studying for my medical school midterm exam in the Genes, Molecules and Cells class. I know many people would really want to be in my position right now, I have to do my best!
2 - I am grateful to have a family that thinks about me everyday no matter how far away I am. Their kindness is my strength and their love my shield. I love them so much.
3 - I am grateful to be healthy. Of all things that medicine has taught me so far is that illness comes in hundreds and thousands of forms that could easily take a hold of any one of us. To be in a healthy state that I am in right now is something quite rare and for this I am very grateful.
I am blogging right now so I suppose it counts towards "journaling." The rest of the list would have to be completed tomorrow. I'm glad I set aside time today to write a little bit about what goes on in my medical school life; I've learned finally here at FIU HWCOM that you have to make time for the things you love and are passionate about.
To end I will include a picture everyday from my adventures here in Miami.
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| From Right to Left: Kamen, Me, Dr. Obeso, Ana, Mary, Kathryn, Dr. Rice, Katiuska, Luis (Lynn is in the TV interviewing a standardized patient!) |
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