To begin anew

Where the hell have I been? Admittedly, it was silly of me to think that I could balance being a medical student, an active instagram, a personal life & a blog – albeit, I’m a big dreamer and love a good challenge but sometimes, things just naturally fall to the way side to make way for better, more bright and beautiful things.

It’s been 4 months since I’ve written a post here but undoubtedly so, it has been the most busy, most fulfilling, most inspiring, invigorating 4 months of my life. When Ethan and I uprooted to San Diego for me to begin medical school, we didn’t know what to expect. But more importantly, we didn’t realize how easy our life was going to flourish. The minute you let go of pre-conceived notions and ideas, how things “could” and “would” be, is the minute your life begins to naturally (and serendipitously) unfold. Now, this wasn’t all perfect, we faced challenges – both big and small – but no good can flow through you unless you allow it to do so.

With that being said, I’m entering week 6 of naturopathic medical school.. It has been a headache, a whirlwind & I’ve been sleep deprived, over caffeinated and overworked but at the end of the day, during moments of quiet reflection, I find myself going to sleep feeling whole and complete, and waking up the next day excited and inspired – what a blessing and a rarity.

I think I’ll talk more about naturopathic school and what we’re learning. But I’ll leave it with this: Naturopathic (ND) and Allopathic (MD) are not different from eachother in service, only in philosophy. At the end of the day, we are all physicians and what’s most important is the patient and we approach their treatment (what MD’s would say)/healing (what ND’s would say).

I believe in a world that will one day bring back medicine to it’s core – that it’s an art of healing, with NO place for pharmaceuticals.. because pharm creates customers, not cures. It makes sense, doesn’t it? To pay someone to keep you healthy, rather than treat you when you’re sick.

Food for thought.

Xo, T.

Mindful Monday: Customizing Your Life

You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success if found in your daily routine. The difference between who you are, versus who you want to be, is what you to. Pick up some motivation.

How do you create a routine? (and stick to it?)

I am no master, or expert in this subject. This is merely stemmed from a personal experience. When you begin your day with self care, you’re putting your needs before everyone else. A morning routine is saying YES, and allowing yourself that time to blossom. I’ve come to find that morning routines help with: creating an energetic space, allow for more clarity, invigorate intentions, maintaining positivity and an increase in productivity.

Hal Elrod wrote a book called, “The Miracle Morning” and broke routines down into an acronym, “S.A.V.E.R.S”

(S)ilence 10 mins: I have an app on my iPhone called “Breathe” and use it for guided meditation every morning.

(A)ffirmations 5 mins: I always say my affirmations out loud and in front of a mirror.

(V)isualization 5 mins: Create the life what you want in your mind, including the people and experiences to ensure ultimate fulfillment.

(E)xcercise 10 mins: I’ve been enjoying yoga these last few months. Do what makes you happy, and invigorated.

(R)eading 10 mins: Immerse yourself in an inspirational read. I’m currently reading “The Gifts of Imperfection” and “Eat Like You Care”.

(S)cribing 10 mins: aka, journaling. This has been part of my routine for years. Use this time to write what you are most grateful for. This works wonders.

If you want to direct your life, take control of consistent actions. Want to write well? Write everyday. Want to tone up? Fit in exercise frequently. What we do once will never shape out life. Remember, what is done in love is done well.

Good luck. xo, T.

 

Mindful Monday: Risk or regret? You choose.

On particularly rough days, when I’m sure that I cannot possibly endure, I remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days (so far) is 100% and that’s pretty damn good. You fall, you rise, you make mistakes, you learn. You’re human. You’ve been hurt, but you’re alive. Think about what a precious thing is it to be ALIVE – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, and to chase the things you love. Sometimes there is sadness in our journey, but there is also SO much beauty. We must keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we are hurt, for we will never know what’s waiting for us on the other side of fear.

To clarify, there are no (and haven’t been) dark clouds in my days recently, but I have been surrounded by loved ones dealing with dark days. A lesson in learning in that when someone you love swims in deep water, you need to be with them. We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them or.. we can build with them.

A valuable piece of advice to those going through hard times: Growth is painful, and so is change. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere where you don’t belong.

Herein lies the power of mind. Everything begins and ends in mind. What you give power to, has power over you.. If you allow it. Instead of saying “I’m not good at this” try saying, “What am I missing?”. Instead of saying “I give up” try saying, “This may take some more time and effort”. You can’t get much done in life if you only work on days you feel good, right? So, it’s OKAY to suffer the pain of discipline, or would you much rather suffer the pain of regret? Your choice.

Good luck. Xo, T

Fortunate Friday: Does your mind control your life?

Until you cross the bridge of your insecurities, there’s no way that you could even begin to explore possibilities. Put on your positive pants! My mind is always at a constant race – overthinking situations – the root cause of past unhappiness. Generally, I’m content but I’m also not a robot, I’m human and I’m continuously “filled with feelings” for people, for the world, for the environment, for the animals..

Too often, we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a compliment, or a small act of compassion – all of which have the potential to influence an abundant life. I’ve come to realize that talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit, let’s focus on joy & blissfulness.

I’m a firm believer in intention & mantras, both of which have been scientifically proven to influence perception. Think about this: Everytime the sun sets, luminous colors are left. These colors give promise to a new day. A new day brings new intention – choice, change, chance. I’ve learned (and still learning!) that energy introduces you even before an exchange of words.. because faith & doubt cannot exist in the same mind.

So, I’ve stopped apologizing for being “sensitive” or “emotional”. You should too. I’m no longer afraid of revealing my heart & letting others bask in its infectious nature. You should too. Showing emotions is a sign of courage so go ahead, acquire some strength & seek adventures to open your mind. The world needs it.

Good luck. Xo, T.

Choose Meaningful Friendships

2016 has brought a plethora of changes – mostly positive, but some negative – boy, have I found myself in the deepest depths of reflection when it comes to all my friendships.

 Sometimes, we need someone to simply be there. Someone to just BE. Not to fix anything, or to do anything in particular but just to let us know that we are supported when we are scared. That’s when I’m reminded of the true meaning of friendship; someone to love you – the imperfect you, the confused you, the wrong you – because that’s what people are supposed to do.

If I’ve learned anything about this topic, it’s to consistently make an effort to hang on, stay connected, put in effort, fight for them & never walk away or be distracted, don’t be too busy or too tired and don’t take them for granted. Friends are a part of the glue that holds life and fate together – powerful stuff. With gentle honesty, close friends are truly one of life’s treasures to offer us a presence to remind us that we are never alone.

BUT..
If you have to force it, leave it.
Relationships, friendships, yoga poses, top knot.
Let that shit go.

When connections are real, they can never die but they can be buried or ignored. If you’ve found deep resonance with another being, connection will remain despite distance, time, situation or circumstance. If you’re doubtful, revisit to see if you can make sense of the spaces between. If it’s true, you’ll instantly find yourself being swept back into the moment with the same wonder, hope, comfort & heartbeat.

Q: What have your experiences with friendship been like?

Xo, T.

Wellness Wednesday: Chasing Your Dreams

First simple rule in life:
If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it.

By recording your dreams and goals in some kind of manifestation, whether it’s on paper or on a vision board, you set the motion of becoming the person you most want to be. Don’t be a slave to your problems and never allow the idea of “waiting” or “inspiration” to happen (I’m living proof, it doesn’t work -trust me). Be led by your heart, and give yourself the opportunity to experience the unknown adventure of taking risks because.. life is happening now.

If there was any valuable piece of advice I’d give, it would be by starting to tell you that life is short. Cliche, I know but so very true. I’d tell you that if there was any moment to pursue your passions, to do it now. I’d motivate you to completely revive your life, manifest your dreams and realize your worth. I’d suggest to stay humble and encourage you to work for a cause, not a sort of applause. I’d remind you to wake up every morning with a grateful heart and remind yourself that you’re a gifted being with talents that resonate beyond all social classifications like grades, or status. And lastly, I’d remind you to continue the ritual of passionate hard work and dedication while being removed from competition and comparativeness because surely, success will follow.

May the next moment turn into a period of magnificent transformation. Remember, if you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.

Good luck. Xo, T.

P.S: This post is a special dedication to a few, very select individuals in my life. Thank you for continuing to support me in my spiritual growth and letting me just be – with no questions or hesitations. I love you and your radiating energy.