Little Confidence Builders

I think we all need these in life sometimes. I know that school really knocked me down in a lot of ways, but built me up in others. For instance, classes. Man, those classes. Some days I would come home and just feel so demoralized, like there was no way that I could learn this stuff and that my brain was filled with cotton balls rather than grey matter. School has really made me appreciate the little moments in life that are positive and give little boosts of confidence, no matter how small.

For instance, rotations are usually great sources of confidence boosts. I was talking with one of my school friends last night who is going through a really great rotation. Her preceptor makes her come up with differential diagnoses, get the history, do the physical exams, and write the notes afterwards while teaching her all along the way. She said that she feels like she will be able to do this one day. That's what rotations really do, allow us to see that we will indeed be able to do this one day, that we are capable of it. I know for me, hands-on learning is my number one best learning style and that's why rotations are so incredibly valuable to me. School is great for the background knowledge, but it's only when I get out and do it that I really start putting it all together.

Another little great confidence boost is doing something that I can see tangible progress in. Steve and I recently started rock climbing (inside at a gym; we hope to move outside soon!) and it really gives me a boost to climb a route that I'd previously not been able to do. It also helps me melt away some of the mental funk I walk into the gym with (of course, I walk out with a different kind of funk...I definitely get sweaty!), which is beyond valuable.

One more confidence boost is finally getting the hang of something. I don't know why, but it takes me longer to catch onto things than other people. I really have to do something multiple multiple times before it sticks; but when it sticks, I feel great! Things suddenly become clear and I feel like I can do this.

Confidence boosts are necessary in everybody's life, not just a students. What gets your confidence up?

So here it is, almost time for school to start again and I haven't updated this blog in forever! So much for using the copious amounts of free time i have to reflect and learn from the past year...nah, I did that. I just didn't blog about it! This summer has gone by so quickly, but so slowly as well. I've traveled a lot (Atlanta, North Carolina, Oklahoma), spent time with loved ones, camped a little, moved across the city, packed and unpacked (almost done!) an apartment, brushed up on a little school material, completed one rotation, and took up a new hobby. Now I have 1.5 weeks remaining of true break and then 2 weeks of a rotation that will take me down to Alamosa. Then school will start and all the leisure that I have in my life will disappear extremely rapidly. These are the things that I've learned from this summer that's almost over:

-Family is one of the biggest blessings in my life. I remember Mom always telling me that friends come and go, but family is always there. I'm so happy to find that is true and that my family is also my friend(s) (horribly awkward sentence, oh well.) This summer I felt so blessed to spend time with those I love, but now I'm feeling withdrawal. I find myself getting jealous (something I really try to avoid; it's not healthy and it's not appreciating where God has me) of those that I know who live in the same city as their family. One day, maybe this will happen, but until then, I'll work on being content with good, soul-quenching visits.

-I can't stay at home. I'm not sure why, but part of my personality means that I have to have a schedule that forces me to get out of the apartment and interact with others.

-A clean apartment=tidy mind. Which is very weird for me.

-I enjoy getting up in the mornings! Even MORE weird for me. I'm on break and I'm getting up at 6:30...WILLINGLY. Soooo bizarre. I just enjoy going for a run, then having a cup of coffee and eating breakfast on the patio and still having the whole day to do what I want.

-I can do something demeaning/be talked down to with a smile on my face and not a begrudging spirit. (However, this is still a work in progress)

-Finding something that I enjoy that is exercise, but I forget that it is is possible! I've always enjoyed running (after I get in shape), but have always still had to force myself to do it. I found something that I don't have to force myself to do and it's a great self-esteem boost.

Well, it's time to wrap this up. Steve and I are going to meet one of his work friends. I promise to post more again!