11:11

Ever had one of those mornings where everything seems to be going wrong?  Sure you have…but today is not one of those days.  Perfect weather, perfect life.  Lately I’ve been attempting to slow down and notice more of the little things that make me happy.  For example, the way it feels when you’re walking through the city and you get that 3 minutes of sunlight before fading back into the shadows of a skyscraper.  Or when you’re in a park and you hear beautiful music played by a man who doesn’t care who is listening.  Or the feeling you get when the wind is rushing through your hair in the backseat of a convertible. I’ve started to realize that love for your surroundings, no matter where you may be, can truly make someone feel at peace.  It’s empowering to know that with a change of mind, you can make any situation a little better. 

AL

It’s been a long two years in Philadelphia.  

I think this statement encompasses both my feelings about my masters degree and all the work therein.  I’ve been pushed to the edge with many things and luckily, in the end, I have come out a better person than I went in.  Battered and bruised, these past two years have taken a lot out of me, but have given me more than I ever expected in return.  I’ve made a few great friends, lost a few bad habits, and set myself up for success in the future.  It’s hard to look at some parts of my past and say, “Yeah, that was for the best.”  But lately, I’ve been doing just that.  I was always the “big kid” growing up, and despite how much that sucked, it has allowed me to share my story and help many people.  I’ve found the motivation I’ve been looking for to jump start my career in medicine.  That’s a bold statement to say when you’re only 23.  Let’s be honest, I haven’t really known myself that long, but I have a hunch this feeling is here to stay.  

As the end of my stent on the East coast comes to a close, I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life.  

To whatever may come, I’m ready.

AL

“Optional sarcasm with a hint of truth.”  Clever anecdotes fill our mainstream media with hatred and have the unique ability to destroy the hopes and dreams of anyone that may fall within the crosshairs.

Recently, I’ve been eager to find out what a life without sarcastic remarks may be like… more genuine?  less funny?  Would these two things be the worst?  For as long as I can remember my life has been based around sarcasm.  Looking back, it was a defense mechanism that guarded me from telling those that mattered what and how I really felt.  It’s time to change.   

Here’s to being real.. Here’s to being you.  

Don’t be scared to walk alone… Don’t be scared to like it. 

AL