Peace, Love, & Oxford Commas

Have you ever been in a position where you just think “Hmm… something isn’t right here”
Do you ever check in with your thoughts and think “Why the sudden shift? This has never bothered you before.”
I definitely found myself here recently.

Our class met for the first time in the most intense of situations. Most students moved from out of state, it was the first time any of us had ever been in the new school, we stuffed ourselves into a business casual wardrobe (RIP real-life clothes), and we hit the ground running. It wasn’t until christmas that I was able to re-convene with my thoughts and reflect on the first semester. It took a couple Crabbies and a little deep convo to realize I was discontent with the person I had turned into. I also didn’t quite know how that was going to change, but I did a little reflecting.

In undergrad I had heavy courses, worked, and I was always busy. Even in summertime my jobs kept me on the run. Comparing prior schedules with my new life, I didn’t find that my time was any less active, but it certainly was allocated differently. Never before, (and I mean we are talking birth to preschool being the exception,) have I only focused on school. In elementary school I had chores, I milked at dawn and dusk, I had animals to wake up and put to bed and keep content to avoid disaster. I trained and showed livestock in middle and high school, and when I was old enough, I got three jobs. In college I always had 2-3 jobs, and when I had a stretch of time with only one job, I started a school organization with a friend and we lead a trip volunteering abroad. While I still had time for other thoughts, I didn’t allocate energy into the less important qualms of my life. When dental school began, suddenly I found myself face to face with only one task (a big task, yes) but it was…different. Paired with my husband living in another town, it was a very trying time of seeking and attaining balance.

A week into winter break I was rolling with creative projects, and it resonated with me that the remedy for my psyche may just be with addition of some creativity mixed into my schedule. I then began writing again and the lightbulb went on.
My blog was never a secret, but I did make it hard to find. She was started, shut down, restarted, and cleaned up, but she’s been loyal all along. The blog gave me a nice little community of unknown souls to give support to, and be supported by in the interim, and I’ve been thankful for that. I decided to share it publicly now because while I’ve been building up my projects and reconstructing my site, it’s become quite obvious that something is going on… and why not share the love?

I’m a dental student first and foremost, but along with that I’m human. I’m a wife, a dog mom, a nurse, a friend, a mentor, and I believe that all abilities and passions are allowed to take a pedestal if it means retaining peace of mind. Having this as an outlet for creativity, as something not related to school, and as something to focus on in downtime rather than social media and deadlines, made me feel just a little more human this semester.

Maybe you’ve found yourself in the same situation, or resonate with my personality from my early years. Dental school (and life in general) can be difficult at times, but in order to be successful you can’t lose touch with who you and what you need as a person amidst a busy life. Take the downtime that’s given to keep that person alive, be it with decorating, art, writing, photography, cooking, sports, outdoor activities, whatever your heart desires. Keep in touch with yourself, check in every day, and water the roots to grow the fruit. You can’t expect to keep up with high expectations if you lose sight of yourself, and what got you here in the first place.

I’ll come when I can, and share when I do, as I continue this journey through dental school and beyond. You’re welcome to join along. I’m happy to have you here!

Until next time,

XO