We all have those days where you don't feel like doing anything at all. You're already tired, or are maybe just lacking in motivation. With the wacky changes in weather this week, I'm feeling it in full force.
My options were to either A) move somewhere where it is sunny and blue skies all the time. I'm pretty sure this is a decent solution that would absolutely work if I could actually make it happen. Externship in California perhaps?
or B) Kick my my own butt to do something that will make me feel better while I'm stuck in humid, cloudy, rainy, disgustingly sticky Toronto.
So I decided to kick my butt and make myself workout. This is usually preceded by a small cup of coffee made with dark chocolate almond milk - I'm not even kidding on how delicious this is. So after that joyous cup of deliciousness I had the "self-talk". I have mental check-ins and give myself a pep talk.
What I tell myself is: It doesn't matter how much you put into today's workout. Take it easy. Don't worry about how much weight you're lifting. You don't have to lunge or squat as much as you normally do. Instead of your usual 90%, maybe only give 40-50% today. And that's fine, as long as you finish the workout.
So I get through the sluggish days by forcing myself to workout, but by lowering my expectations of the workout. If I go into a workout knowing that I can take it easy this time, my endurance is so much better - even with the fatigue. Of course, what I also recommend is having time to rest before and after exercise so that you don't deplete yourself any further. Take breaks, eat protein and fruit, drink lots of water. Replenish yourself.
But moving around for those 40 minutes and doing nice slow stretches after really helped to recharge my batteries and make sure I keep active even when not feeling the greatest. And my mood was improved dramatically.
This won't work for everyone (especially those with chronic fatigue or FM/ME), but for those of us who need less recovery time and really just need some extra motivation to keep going, give yourself a friendly kick in the butt when you know you need it.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
My love/hate relationship with running
Today's running achievements:
1) I actually went running. Like outside and everything. In a forest.
2) I didn't get lost in the forest.
3) I didn't fall this time!
So all in all it's been a good morning. Let me backtrack a bit.
I have this love/hate relationship with running. Runners intimidate me. They're more intense then postal service workers. Why? Because they are so effing committed to running that they will go out in absurd weather like a freak hail storm... that turns into freezing rain... with wind gushing about, and they go out there just to run around. They're not running to anything or from anything, but merely practicing in case something comes up where they will need to run 10-20k without stopping and live to tell the tale.
So their intensity intimidates me. I like to run, but I don't by any means call myself a runner. But why does that stop so many of us from getting out there? You don't have to be a professional (or stuck in a maze with no memory- James Dashner reference) to run.
A friend of mine invited me out to run a few days ago through this awesome conservation area, and I love a good outdoor adventure, so I couldn't say no (especially since I was just going to workout indoors). It was a short run, but a run none-the-less. And I did fall, but that's to be expected when you add in the fact that I'm extremely clumsy and also that the forest is filled with tree roots that stick out of the ground.
Today was gorgeous outside so I decided to venture out on my own. I started at the same spot as last time, and I swear my inner bird/turtle senses kicked in and I was able to retrace the exact route through the forest trails without getting lost. This was unbelievable. Every time I came upon a landmark that I recognized, I felt a little ping of joy and relief that I wouldn't have to call Search-and-Rescue to come find me.
My 30 minute gallivant through the woods wasn't intense. I walked up the really steep hiking hills instead of running them. I took interval walking breaks when my lungs were burning like they had been sprayed with sulphuric acid. But I did the complete loop. And truthfully, the feeling afterwards when you've just completed a run is amazing.
It actually makes the whole thing worth it. I mean, it's great to be out in nature, away from the people and the sounds of traffic. I could have easily just hiked the trails instead of running them. But sometimes you wanna feel like a kid again and just run for no apparent reason. Run like no one is watching you.
I hate running because I suck at it, by a runner's definition. Tomorrow my TFLs and IT bands will be sore and achy; and yes my lungs worked harder than ever to keep up to me, but at the same time I love running because it's movement. I get antsy and I need to go do something... work my muscles... burn some energies... strengthen muscles... breath fresh air and get sunshine on my skin.
Running might be a pain in the ass (and legs) for most of us, but it's nice to get out there every once in a while. You don't have to be a track star, a chronic jogger or a marathon runner to go outside and run. I've had days where I've gotten home from work/school and literally just went for a run around the block because I needed to move. And sometimes that amount is enough for me.
Looking back on this experience, the lesson is this: Don't be intimidated to move around, workout, or get any sort of physical exercise. There's no one to measure up to. Do only what you can physically do, but do something. Even if it's just walking for 20-30 minutes. And now that the weather is beautiful again, there's no better time to start.
1) I actually went running. Like outside and everything. In a forest.
2) I didn't get lost in the forest.
3) I didn't fall this time!
So all in all it's been a good morning. Let me backtrack a bit.
I have this love/hate relationship with running. Runners intimidate me. They're more intense then postal service workers. Why? Because they are so effing committed to running that they will go out in absurd weather like a freak hail storm... that turns into freezing rain... with wind gushing about, and they go out there just to run around. They're not running to anything or from anything, but merely practicing in case something comes up where they will need to run 10-20k without stopping and live to tell the tale.
So their intensity intimidates me. I like to run, but I don't by any means call myself a runner. But why does that stop so many of us from getting out there? You don't have to be a professional (or stuck in a maze with no memory- James Dashner reference) to run.
A friend of mine invited me out to run a few days ago through this awesome conservation area, and I love a good outdoor adventure, so I couldn't say no (especially since I was just going to workout indoors). It was a short run, but a run none-the-less. And I did fall, but that's to be expected when you add in the fact that I'm extremely clumsy and also that the forest is filled with tree roots that stick out of the ground.
Today was gorgeous outside so I decided to venture out on my own. I started at the same spot as last time, and I swear my inner bird/turtle senses kicked in and I was able to retrace the exact route through the forest trails without getting lost. This was unbelievable. Every time I came upon a landmark that I recognized, I felt a little ping of joy and relief that I wouldn't have to call Search-and-Rescue to come find me.
My 30 minute gallivant through the woods wasn't intense. I walked up the really steep hiking hills instead of running them. I took interval walking breaks when my lungs were burning like they had been sprayed with sulphuric acid. But I did the complete loop. And truthfully, the feeling afterwards when you've just completed a run is amazing.
 |
| Image from Friends. The one where Phoebe runs. |
I hate running because I suck at it, by a runner's definition. Tomorrow my TFLs and IT bands will be sore and achy; and yes my lungs worked harder than ever to keep up to me, but at the same time I love running because it's movement. I get antsy and I need to go do something... work my muscles... burn some energies... strengthen muscles... breath fresh air and get sunshine on my skin.
Running might be a pain in the ass (and legs) for most of us, but it's nice to get out there every once in a while. You don't have to be a track star, a chronic jogger or a marathon runner to go outside and run. I've had days where I've gotten home from work/school and literally just went for a run around the block because I needed to move. And sometimes that amount is enough for me.
Looking back on this experience, the lesson is this: Don't be intimidated to move around, workout, or get any sort of physical exercise. There's no one to measure up to. Do only what you can physically do, but do something. Even if it's just walking for 20-30 minutes. And now that the weather is beautiful again, there's no better time to start.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Long time, no blog
They said that once you get into 4th year of the ND program and are in clinic that you have so much more free time than in previous years. Seeing as how I haven't blogged in forever, I don't know how true that statement actually is.
Truthfully, I'm not quite settled in my living situation (most of my stuff is in storage), so I really haven't had that "space" yet to sit and write. I'm always so worried about working on things for my patients that whenever I actually do have free time, I have to spend it outside and give my brain a break.
What I wanted to talk about today was the power of human kindness and of human emotions in general. Last week I was walking from the park to school and at the street lights it started raining. A young girl walked up to me and sheltered me with her umbrella. It was such a sweet gesture, especially as she walked with me all the way across the street (here in Toronto that means 7 traffic lanes) making sure I wouldn't get rained on. After wishing her a good day, I realized how infectious kindness really is.
When you're a dick to someone (often times it's in your car on the 401 highway), that asshole-ishness stews around you and infects everyone you encounter. Have you ever had someone cut you off or ride your tail while driving and it just puts you in the worst mood? Well the same principle goes for kindness: Good deeds and kind gestures fill you and others up with such a happy feeling.
Contrary to what Hugh Grant claims in About a Boy, no man is an island. Although sometimes I want to run away from this city and be away from the traffic and the buildings and the people, it's not possible to run away from all of it. We need each other in society - and if we don't... well... we're stuck with each other. So what's the point of being an asshole all the time when you're stuck running into people everywhere you go? I think we need to start being more kind to one another.
When you're in your car, remember that you're not hidden by metal and glass. We're not cars, we're people. So when someone lets you merge into a lane of traffic, give them a little wave to show your appreciation.
It's fine to be selfish in times where you need to take care of yourself, but in general we need to realize that our actions -whether good or bad - affect EVERYONE around us in that same way.
Do something nice for a stranger. Hold the door open for them. Pay for their coffee. Smile (but not in a creepy way). Whatever little act of kindness that you can do, pay it forward and ask them to do the same.
Truthfully, I'm not quite settled in my living situation (most of my stuff is in storage), so I really haven't had that "space" yet to sit and write. I'm always so worried about working on things for my patients that whenever I actually do have free time, I have to spend it outside and give my brain a break.
What I wanted to talk about today was the power of human kindness and of human emotions in general. Last week I was walking from the park to school and at the street lights it started raining. A young girl walked up to me and sheltered me with her umbrella. It was such a sweet gesture, especially as she walked with me all the way across the street (here in Toronto that means 7 traffic lanes) making sure I wouldn't get rained on. After wishing her a good day, I realized how infectious kindness really is.
When you're a dick to someone (often times it's in your car on the 401 highway), that asshole-ishness stews around you and infects everyone you encounter. Have you ever had someone cut you off or ride your tail while driving and it just puts you in the worst mood? Well the same principle goes for kindness: Good deeds and kind gestures fill you and others up with such a happy feeling.
Contrary to what Hugh Grant claims in About a Boy, no man is an island. Although sometimes I want to run away from this city and be away from the traffic and the buildings and the people, it's not possible to run away from all of it. We need each other in society - and if we don't... well... we're stuck with each other. So what's the point of being an asshole all the time when you're stuck running into people everywhere you go? I think we need to start being more kind to one another.
When you're in your car, remember that you're not hidden by metal and glass. We're not cars, we're people. So when someone lets you merge into a lane of traffic, give them a little wave to show your appreciation.
It's fine to be selfish in times where you need to take care of yourself, but in general we need to realize that our actions -whether good or bad - affect EVERYONE around us in that same way.
Do something nice for a stranger. Hold the door open for them. Pay for their coffee. Smile (but not in a creepy way). Whatever little act of kindness that you can do, pay it forward and ask them to do the same.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Trusting health claims in the news ... it's a Moo point.
A lot of people have approached me on the subject of substances like coffee and vitamin E. One day coffee is bad for you, the next, it saves lives (not really, but I'm trying to make a point). It's the same when patients ask me if you're suppose to take Vitamin E. We thought it was good, then the news reported it could kill you (or something like that) and now we're giving it out again, but in smaller doses. What's the deal?
So I came across an older CBC article yesterday - and honestly, over the past few years I have lost a lot of respect for CBC based on their website's health section. But for once, I actually came across a decent and truthful article that explained a lot.
The article by Kelly Crowe (which can be viewed here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/05/17/coffee-crowe.html) entitled "What's the fuss about coffee?" didn't start talking about coffee at all. It actually explained how, when and where reporters got their information when reporting on health and scientific research.
It explained the research release "embargo" - a magical date and time when reporters are allowed to publish their articles on a specific study, and as an example, used a current study that wasn't reported on properly. I honestly think that all health and science reporters should have to take a biostatistics course and learn how to properly interpret the results of a study. Crowe at least explained some of the exclusion criteria as well as the methodology - which many other newspapers didn't care about as much as coming up with attention-grabbing and FALSE titles like "Coffee drinkers live longer." There's no actual evidence that drinking coffee will make you live longer. It's a false conclusion, but hey, I guess that's the media for you.
So whenever someone shows me an article with a big flashy headline like that, I ignore the entire article. I couldn't care less what the media makes of the study. I go straight to the source and read the actual literature published by the researchers. However, you also have to take a researcher's conclusion with a grain of salt, so to speak. We're all human and we make our own conclusions. Biologists are trained to be objective, but every once in a while someone wants something to be true so badly that they make a far-fetched conclusion, based on end measures that they never sought to look at in the first place. It happens.
One of the greatest things that my biostats professor taught me was: BE CRITICAL. I think of it in the same way that Prof. Moody says "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" in Harry Potter. So what I really look for is the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the human subjects (I don't take petri dish research all that seriously when it comes to making health claims. I don't know about you, but there is no part of my body that lives in a petri dish, so why would I want to be treated medically as such?). I also look at the methodology - was it a survey (have you ever lied on a survey to make yourself look better?)? Did the methodology make sense? Who did they do it on? What did they say they were going to measure and are those results what their conclusion was based on?
A second professor taught me the importance of MAGNITUDE. Okay, so you say that coffee makes people live longer... How much coffee do they have to drink? For how long? How much longer, in days, months, years, will it allow you to live?
I'm not trying to beat a dead horse (that would be cruel and horrible), but although we're all the same species, we don't all live the same. We can't generalize one population's needs to everyone in the world. Well, except for vegetables. Your mother was right about that one: you need to eat your vegetables.
In conclusion, it's tough to know what to trust in the media. But really it's a Moo point (no, that's not a spelling error. If you have never seen that episode of Friends then shame on you... it's hilarious). The media will never change it's aim to grab you as a reader/viewer, so it's up to you to think critically, look at the methods and look at the results. Let's utilize our critical thinking skills instead of being spoon-fed extremely large claims.
So I came across an older CBC article yesterday - and honestly, over the past few years I have lost a lot of respect for CBC based on their website's health section. But for once, I actually came across a decent and truthful article that explained a lot.
The article by Kelly Crowe (which can be viewed here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/05/17/coffee-crowe.html) entitled "What's the fuss about coffee?" didn't start talking about coffee at all. It actually explained how, when and where reporters got their information when reporting on health and scientific research.
It explained the research release "embargo" - a magical date and time when reporters are allowed to publish their articles on a specific study, and as an example, used a current study that wasn't reported on properly. I honestly think that all health and science reporters should have to take a biostatistics course and learn how to properly interpret the results of a study. Crowe at least explained some of the exclusion criteria as well as the methodology - which many other newspapers didn't care about as much as coming up with attention-grabbing and FALSE titles like "Coffee drinkers live longer." There's no actual evidence that drinking coffee will make you live longer. It's a false conclusion, but hey, I guess that's the media for you.
So whenever someone shows me an article with a big flashy headline like that, I ignore the entire article. I couldn't care less what the media makes of the study. I go straight to the source and read the actual literature published by the researchers. However, you also have to take a researcher's conclusion with a grain of salt, so to speak. We're all human and we make our own conclusions. Biologists are trained to be objective, but every once in a while someone wants something to be true so badly that they make a far-fetched conclusion, based on end measures that they never sought to look at in the first place. It happens.
One of the greatest things that my biostats professor taught me was: BE CRITICAL. I think of it in the same way that Prof. Moody says "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" in Harry Potter. So what I really look for is the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the human subjects (I don't take petri dish research all that seriously when it comes to making health claims. I don't know about you, but there is no part of my body that lives in a petri dish, so why would I want to be treated medically as such?). I also look at the methodology - was it a survey (have you ever lied on a survey to make yourself look better?)? Did the methodology make sense? Who did they do it on? What did they say they were going to measure and are those results what their conclusion was based on?
A second professor taught me the importance of MAGNITUDE. Okay, so you say that coffee makes people live longer... How much coffee do they have to drink? For how long? How much longer, in days, months, years, will it allow you to live?
I'm not trying to beat a dead horse (that would be cruel and horrible), but although we're all the same species, we don't all live the same. We can't generalize one population's needs to everyone in the world. Well, except for vegetables. Your mother was right about that one: you need to eat your vegetables.
In conclusion, it's tough to know what to trust in the media. But really it's a Moo point (no, that's not a spelling error. If you have never seen that episode of Friends then shame on you... it's hilarious). The media will never change it's aim to grab you as a reader/viewer, so it's up to you to think critically, look at the methods and look at the results. Let's utilize our critical thinking skills instead of being spoon-fed extremely large claims.
Monday, June 3, 2013
The island of misfit toys
I've been away for a while, but I blame it on life. It gets in the way of everything. I've had to move out of my townhouse into a new place, which wasn't quite ready for new people, so most of my stuff is stored in a garage and shoved up against the walls of the living room and kitchen.
Looking at my thighs/legs, you could easily mistake me for a leopard with all the bruises I have from moving furniture. And I swear you could actually see the clouds of pollen in the air around the trailer that we were loading up. I'm pretty sure my white lounge chair has turned a weird shade of yellow from being coated in tree pollen. I believe it's also partially responsible for me getting sick for 36 hours (the pollen, not the chair).
Then I had to help a friend move after clinic one day and I didn't have any non-clinic clothes, so she gave me a pair of her shorts to wear with my dress shoes - And honestly, I felt like a wizard in Muggle clothing. It was ridiculous and comfortable (because it was sooo hot outside and shorts are nice and breezy), but with dress shoes, white Adidas shorts and the undershirt I had on under my blouse, I had an Arthur Weasley moment and could not stop giggling on the inside.
So all in all, it's been a ridiculous week, especially since the LA Kings have been wetting the bed for the past two games... and I wouldn't normally care about mundane things like a hockey game, except for the fact that I made a real come back in Round 2 of my hockey pool, and winning $100 (or even just my $10 entrance fee back) would really make me so happy that I would probably cry... and try to build my own Stanley Cup in memory of this occasion. Except I would have to call it the Sarah Cup.... and fill it with wine. - If I win, I promise to do this and send you all the photographic evidence. I love arts and crafts.
But the point of today's post is simply: Does anyone else ever feel like they should be cast away with people like me on an island of misfit toys?
Sometimes I feel like the most un-normal person in the world. I guess that's a good thing. I would hate to be just like everyone else. I like being quirky and different. Wearing leg warmers in the winter; cranking up the volume when I hear a George Michael or Wham song in the car; going from normal to floupy in 0.2 seconds. I'm the girl who asks for honey and almond milk in her coffee... and because of which, always gets really weird looks at Starbucks. I wear slippers in the summer, and I make sad kitten noises when I'm sad or upset about something - true story.
When I think about it, why would anyone want to be normal when it's so much fun to be different?
Seriously. I mean, I'm totally on board with work dress codes and acting appropriately in the workplace. And I know I should be representing my profession outside of school/clinic, but I can't change who I am. A school advisor told me that my website is great but I had to get rid of my stories and my Arbonne stuff and make it more about the profession and the school. I just couldn't bear to argue with her, but there's no way I'd change it. Same with this blog.
Many classmates of mine have incredible blogs that cover more naturopathic topics, but really, I need to keep my sanity and writing is my avenue. I still hope to finish some of the fictional novels I've started, but until then, pouring my heart out on the internet to dozens of countries is the best thing I have. So I might not be the greatest businessy person, but I'm a happy kitten on the Island of Misfit toys, and I'd much rather just be myself than hide all of my fun quirks and creativity.
I also recommend dressing up like a wizard in Muggle clothing. And then go out in public.
Looking at my thighs/legs, you could easily mistake me for a leopard with all the bruises I have from moving furniture. And I swear you could actually see the clouds of pollen in the air around the trailer that we were loading up. I'm pretty sure my white lounge chair has turned a weird shade of yellow from being coated in tree pollen. I believe it's also partially responsible for me getting sick for 36 hours (the pollen, not the chair).
Then I had to help a friend move after clinic one day and I didn't have any non-clinic clothes, so she gave me a pair of her shorts to wear with my dress shoes - And honestly, I felt like a wizard in Muggle clothing. It was ridiculous and comfortable (because it was sooo hot outside and shorts are nice and breezy), but with dress shoes, white Adidas shorts and the undershirt I had on under my blouse, I had an Arthur Weasley moment and could not stop giggling on the inside.
So all in all, it's been a ridiculous week, especially since the LA Kings have been wetting the bed for the past two games... and I wouldn't normally care about mundane things like a hockey game, except for the fact that I made a real come back in Round 2 of my hockey pool, and winning $100 (or even just my $10 entrance fee back) would really make me so happy that I would probably cry... and try to build my own Stanley Cup in memory of this occasion. Except I would have to call it the Sarah Cup.... and fill it with wine. - If I win, I promise to do this and send you all the photographic evidence. I love arts and crafts.
But the point of today's post is simply: Does anyone else ever feel like they should be cast away with people like me on an island of misfit toys?
Sometimes I feel like the most un-normal person in the world. I guess that's a good thing. I would hate to be just like everyone else. I like being quirky and different. Wearing leg warmers in the winter; cranking up the volume when I hear a George Michael or Wham song in the car; going from normal to floupy in 0.2 seconds. I'm the girl who asks for honey and almond milk in her coffee... and because of which, always gets really weird looks at Starbucks. I wear slippers in the summer, and I make sad kitten noises when I'm sad or upset about something - true story.
When I think about it, why would anyone want to be normal when it's so much fun to be different?
Seriously. I mean, I'm totally on board with work dress codes and acting appropriately in the workplace. And I know I should be representing my profession outside of school/clinic, but I can't change who I am. A school advisor told me that my website is great but I had to get rid of my stories and my Arbonne stuff and make it more about the profession and the school. I just couldn't bear to argue with her, but there's no way I'd change it. Same with this blog.
Many classmates of mine have incredible blogs that cover more naturopathic topics, but really, I need to keep my sanity and writing is my avenue. I still hope to finish some of the fictional novels I've started, but until then, pouring my heart out on the internet to dozens of countries is the best thing I have. So I might not be the greatest businessy person, but I'm a happy kitten on the Island of Misfit toys, and I'd much rather just be myself than hide all of my fun quirks and creativity.
I also recommend dressing up like a wizard in Muggle clothing. And then go out in public.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Mistakes... hopefully they don't involve spinning blades of death.
Here's today's gem of a story:
I had my bedroom window open this morning and the maintenance person was mowing the lawns and cutting weeds with the weed-whackers and such. All of a sudden the motor stops, there's a pause and then I hear, "Shit!"
Not exactly the word you want to hear after you hear someone turn off the motor to a piece of equipment that has spinning blades of amputation.
But I didn't hear any screaming or crying or yelp of pain, so figuring that he hadn't run over his own foot, I had a good laugh over the situation. I'm sure he just accidentally cut some flowers or hit a tree - which I really don't care about because I'm moving next week and hopefully will never have to deal with these people again.
But the moral of the story is (I'm just going to make one up) that we all make mistakes. And it's okay to swear a little when we do them (hopefully, not around any small children who are like echos to everything adults say).
I always feel a little better about myself when I see someone else make a mistake (one that doesn't affect me) because it reminds me that we're all human. Things happen. They call it "human error" for a reason. Of course we still have to make up for our mistakes but that's the great part of it: we learn.
For anyone who has ever made a mistake while driving and had damage done to their car, you will agree with me that you are more cautious than ever in those same situations. I once hit a car parked on the street while backing out of a driveway. The road was narrow and I didn't check behind me enough, and dinged the car. I will NEVER make that mistake again and am now extra vigilant when reversing my car.
My second car mistake was underestimating the power of concrete in an underground parking lot. I partially blame Toronto for that. Too many damn underground parking lots. And they all have huge concrete support post/blocks and teeny tiny parking spaces, and everyone just drives too fast through them. It's a death trap for cars!
So the next time someone makes an honest mistake and acknowledges it, cut them some slack; remind yourself that we are human and that we all make mistakes. (But if they don't want to admit to their mistake and try to blame someone or anyone around them, then you can call "bullshit" and knock some sense into them).
I had my bedroom window open this morning and the maintenance person was mowing the lawns and cutting weeds with the weed-whackers and such. All of a sudden the motor stops, there's a pause and then I hear, "Shit!"
Not exactly the word you want to hear after you hear someone turn off the motor to a piece of equipment that has spinning blades of amputation.
But I didn't hear any screaming or crying or yelp of pain, so figuring that he hadn't run over his own foot, I had a good laugh over the situation. I'm sure he just accidentally cut some flowers or hit a tree - which I really don't care about because I'm moving next week and hopefully will never have to deal with these people again.
But the moral of the story is (I'm just going to make one up) that we all make mistakes. And it's okay to swear a little when we do them (hopefully, not around any small children who are like echos to everything adults say).
I always feel a little better about myself when I see someone else make a mistake (one that doesn't affect me) because it reminds me that we're all human. Things happen. They call it "human error" for a reason. Of course we still have to make up for our mistakes but that's the great part of it: we learn.
For anyone who has ever made a mistake while driving and had damage done to their car, you will agree with me that you are more cautious than ever in those same situations. I once hit a car parked on the street while backing out of a driveway. The road was narrow and I didn't check behind me enough, and dinged the car. I will NEVER make that mistake again and am now extra vigilant when reversing my car.
My second car mistake was underestimating the power of concrete in an underground parking lot. I partially blame Toronto for that. Too many damn underground parking lots. And they all have huge concrete support post/blocks and teeny tiny parking spaces, and everyone just drives too fast through them. It's a death trap for cars!
So the next time someone makes an honest mistake and acknowledges it, cut them some slack; remind yourself that we are human and that we all make mistakes. (But if they don't want to admit to their mistake and try to blame someone or anyone around them, then you can call "bullshit" and knock some sense into them).
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
When do we start becoming "grown-ups" - Part 2
When I think about it, the term "grown-up" is really just used by kids to describe someone older than them who can make decisions.
I hate making decisions. And yet it defines my life... and all of our lives. If you didn't make decisions your life would be stagnant. You have to choose to get out of bed in the morning. You get to decide what to eat and when to eat throughout the day - so already your well-being is being decided by you.
You decide whether or not to show up for work/school, or go looking for a job. You choose when to pay your bills and how to budget your money. You choose how to deal with your children and if you'll go to yoga class later that evening. You choose whether you will recycle that empty can or throw it in a landfill.
Although it might sometimes seem like we're stuck in life, we actually have more power than we think we do. That's the power of being a grown-up. However, as a wise movie character once said "with great power comes great responsibility." But I like to think that means that the power of being an adult means you get to choose which responsibilities you'll follow through on.
I have the responsibility to show up to clinic if I want to graduate next year. I have the responsibility to do my research if I want to keep patients. I have the responsibility to budget my money if I don't want to run out of it. I have the responsibility of keeping in touch with friends if I want them to stay my friends; and working through relationships if I want to keep them.
We tend to lose sight when we say we're stuck in life or that we have to take care of someone or do something. I'm talking about the people who can't seem to say no to anybody. They end up helping everyone else around them except themselves. They have no free time; they're stressed to the max; they're tired and worn-out and can't see any solution.
I think we all need to be reminded of balance in our lives. I would call that the "successful grown-up." The one who manages responsibility and takes care of themselves. It's not easy. But I think it's possible if you can override the power that guilt has on all of us.
Sure, guilt is a normal human emotion. It makes us apologetic. It verifies that we have morals. But we must also learn to put up our walls if someone takes advantage of that emotion and inflicts it on us constantly. I'm sure you can all imagine one person in your life who has a knack for giving you a guilt-trip over many things. It's the most awful feeling in the world. It can be a stressful emotion.
So although we can't control all variables around our lives, we need to remember balance. We need to be able to shut out the "guilt-trippers" when we have too much on our plates. We can't forget to take care of ourselves - which includes our relationships - but remember that there is always a choice. If you feel like you're stuck, remind yourself why you're there. Remind yourself what your goals are, and if you're not on the way to achieving those goals, maybe it's time to reconsider your path.
I've been in post-secondary and graduate schools for the past 9 years (currently going on my 10th). I'm what my family calls the "permanent student". But then I remind myself why I keep going to school; what my end goal is, and that the journey is worth it.
I hate making decisions. And yet it defines my life... and all of our lives. If you didn't make decisions your life would be stagnant. You have to choose to get out of bed in the morning. You get to decide what to eat and when to eat throughout the day - so already your well-being is being decided by you.
You decide whether or not to show up for work/school, or go looking for a job. You choose when to pay your bills and how to budget your money. You choose how to deal with your children and if you'll go to yoga class later that evening. You choose whether you will recycle that empty can or throw it in a landfill.
Although it might sometimes seem like we're stuck in life, we actually have more power than we think we do. That's the power of being a grown-up. However, as a wise movie character once said "with great power comes great responsibility." But I like to think that means that the power of being an adult means you get to choose which responsibilities you'll follow through on.
I have the responsibility to show up to clinic if I want to graduate next year. I have the responsibility to do my research if I want to keep patients. I have the responsibility to budget my money if I don't want to run out of it. I have the responsibility of keeping in touch with friends if I want them to stay my friends; and working through relationships if I want to keep them.
We tend to lose sight when we say we're stuck in life or that we have to take care of someone or do something. I'm talking about the people who can't seem to say no to anybody. They end up helping everyone else around them except themselves. They have no free time; they're stressed to the max; they're tired and worn-out and can't see any solution.
I think we all need to be reminded of balance in our lives. I would call that the "successful grown-up." The one who manages responsibility and takes care of themselves. It's not easy. But I think it's possible if you can override the power that guilt has on all of us.
Sure, guilt is a normal human emotion. It makes us apologetic. It verifies that we have morals. But we must also learn to put up our walls if someone takes advantage of that emotion and inflicts it on us constantly. I'm sure you can all imagine one person in your life who has a knack for giving you a guilt-trip over many things. It's the most awful feeling in the world. It can be a stressful emotion.
So although we can't control all variables around our lives, we need to remember balance. We need to be able to shut out the "guilt-trippers" when we have too much on our plates. We can't forget to take care of ourselves - which includes our relationships - but remember that there is always a choice. If you feel like you're stuck, remind yourself why you're there. Remind yourself what your goals are, and if you're not on the way to achieving those goals, maybe it's time to reconsider your path.
I've been in post-secondary and graduate schools for the past 9 years (currently going on my 10th). I'm what my family calls the "permanent student". But then I remind myself why I keep going to school; what my end goal is, and that the journey is worth it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)