//"In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision" - Dalai Lama //
When you go through transitions and/or tough times, you oftentimes become isolated.
During this time of isolation, you must choose what you will do with it.
1. you can wallow in lonliness (this is the equivalent of choosing a negative mindset)
or
2. you can utilize this time to get to know YOU, understand your situation, grow and learn from this isolation and come out of it a better person (i.e. a positive mindset)
The last 2-3 years of my life have been an interesting time. When I really take the time to look back, a lot has occurred in the last few years.
- I reached a milestone in my life by completing my MD/MPH degree and began my medical residency training -- unfortunately, I experienced all of this joy and progress and happiness without a person that I had expected to be in my life forever.
- I moved to a town where I practically knew no-one to begin the grueling work schedule that is residency, while working to sustain a long-distance, new relationship.
- I had to navigate, daily, the difficulty of being a young, tall, minority female working as a physician in a male-dominated field in Arkansas (the stories I could tell..and will, with time).
- I had to work on getting control over my anxiety (which at times can be extremely overwhelming--specifically when it comes to examinations).
- I had to control my anxiety, while working about 100hrs a week, while simultaneously studying for Step 3 -- a 2-day, 16- hour exam.
There is probably so much more I can list when it comes to things that crowd my headspace daily and attribute to my stress and anxiety over that last few years, but I think that is enough. During this time, I have chosen the #2 option above. I have been in my own world, dealing with my own "stuff", navigating my own obstacles, learning about me and figuring out what I want and/or need. This time has been exhausting, precious, beneficial and is currently still on-going.
I hope that when you enter these transitions or moments in your life, you also choose 2! I hope you choose a positive mindset that results in positive outcomes -- especially understanding and growth*
XOXO
Dr. Z
