Dear [ ] - Honeymoon Stage?

We've made it through the 9 month mark and I'm excited to be moving forward with you 

Although some weeks have been trying, I am still committed to making this work 

Since getting together almost 5 years ago, we've endured many ups and downs with me wanting something else and wondering if you were right for me - where would this go? 

I feel the more time we spend together, and learn about our unity throughout our conflicts, we're getting to understand each other in a way like never before. It feels as though we're journeying down a path that brings out the best in both of us, and I can really see the rest of my life being with you 

I only hope you feel the same and can see a future with me as well - I promise I'll treat you right 

Love, 
Aliyo

Second Semester of Naturopathic Medical School: Plan of Action

For some reason I still cannot fathom that it's 2013. I totally remember starting 2012, and now over 365 days have passed, wow.

I was planning to post my mistakes of my first semester of Naturopathic Medical school before writing this post, but I was more excited to write this one, so please excuse the order.

I've met many brilliant people in life so far, and a gift they commonly have is a photographic memory, or they seem to understand and remember things effortlessly. I used to be slightly jealous when I'd put in endless hours while their brilliancy carried them through all tides, but I accept that we all have our own gifts. Along with our natural strengths come our weaknesses to balance us out, and I've learned throughout university where my weaknesses lie. School has encouraged me to fine tune those weaknesses if I want to enjoy my education, and my prime 20's. So, I'll share my plan with you!

Plans for Year 1 Semester 2:

Source: http://blog.kwalityherbs.com

Review after every class within 72 hours

• During my undergrad I volunteered as a Study Skills Peer Educator, and it was honestly one of my favourite experiences. One of the key things I remember learning and sharing with likely all of my students was that if you review your lecture material within 24-72 hours after hearing it, you will be able to recall that information much easier, and it will be easier to store within your long-term memory upon review. Of course the effect is stronger the sooner you are able to review, but I've given myself leeway of 3 days as I try to re-establish this routine

Use one day each weekend to do (absolutely) required readings for the next week

Source: http://www.ocean985.com

• I find that all I need is one full day off on the weekend to not do schoolwork, and the other day I don't mind allocating a few hours of my brain time to school. So I feel this will work for me especially since during the evenings of our long days (Monday to Thursday), I'd really just like to focus on getting through the day, and preparing for the next day
• The reason absolutely is bracketed is because some of my courses this term will require preparation - for example, Asian Medicine Point Location and Hydrotherapy. There are some courses that I may just want to take a look at what will be covered so that it doesn't feel as though I'm in the middle of a tornado during lecture (ie. Anatomy)
• I should also add that in case I fall behind on my weekly review (ie. there are many assignments), I will also use this day to catch up on the reviews I didn't get to do. That way, rather than feeling I have to catch up on the backlog of reviewing during the week, I can focus on each day, and remind myself that on my weekend day, I have those extra hours for that purpose. 

Source: http://akimbo.ca

Have a plan of action for each class

• I had planned to have a plan of action, but didn't sit down and put pen to paper to make it official. A huge issue I noticed during midterm AND final exam time was that I didn't become efficient until it was crunch time. Each time I thought to myself - if only I had started using this strategy earlier. So, this time around, I will have a plan of action for how I intend to do well in a realistic manner for each of my courses.

Implement Study Methods of Another Successful Medical School Student - Alex (Medical School Success)

• Shortly after receiving my acceptance to CCNM, I was trumped by the question of how I would be able to handle the workload. So I did some research on other medical students who accept that life is a constant work in progress, and were continually trying to improve themselves. That's when I came across Alex's website, and have been a devoted follower since, as through his website, he provides practical advice about how to be successful in med school (in addition to the application process), and is humourous. So when he released his first e-book, I was supportive because he has been so generous with his advice, and I knew the tips in his e-book would be helpful. Although Naturopathic Medicine is a huge component of my life and is a field I've grown passionate about, I don't want my academic work to consume 100% of my brain power because there is more to life and education

• There are several strategies I've learned from his e-book that I intend to implement this term:

• Use a laptop instead of printing notes: If you could see the piles of paper I recycled after exams, you'd feel guilty even though it wasn't you who printed them. I'd like to go paperless because I'd like to reduce the footprint I leave on our home, beautiful Mother Earth. I'd also like to paperless because commuting with binders/folders and textbooks, and flipping through notes became a huge hassle. One of the huge selling points of Alex's method for me was that I'd be able to modify my computer files as I would in real life. The only thing I'll be missing is papercuts.
• 
  
• Cater studying to course objectives: This approach was stimulated by Alex as he strongly encourages studying practice questions in order to be successful for applying and knowing whether you understand the relevant course material. Each course comes with a syllabus/outline, which entails the main concepts you are expected to know for that subject. When you think about it, an exam is a compilation of questions from multiple topics, some of which test your surface knowledge, whereas others test your ability to apply that knowledge. So I've decided that for each course (on my weekend study day), I will answer the course objectives for the week that I learn them.

Why Didn't I Do These Things Last Semester?

Source: http://vernacularcurate.blogspot.ca/2011/01/facepalm.html

That is indeed such a great question, I ask myself that a lot. But alas, we can't live in the past, so we'll learn from it instead.

• I didn't have a plan of action for each class until it was exam time, when I had to be efficient with my time and buckle down. That is why I am going to make a plan of action at the beginning of this term, which will guide what I spend my time on and why
• My mind was scattered because I wasn't confident in my ability to handle the workload. It was just something I had to experience so I would learn that it is possible for me, and tweak my learning process as necessary based on my mistakes
• There was a lot of class time, and many assignments - not leaving much room to waste time. To add, I wasn't completely comfortable with skipping class to get my work done, because if I'm paying a high tuition, I want to be learning within every moment I've paid to be in class
• I had a difficult time balancing my self-care, and sometimes prioritized the wrong things. For example, I worked out 2-3 times a week, and sometimes I would have an assignment due the next day following a workout. Although I became better with starting assignments before the due date, I still underestimated how long it would take to complete the assignment, and would consequentially lose sleep, and eat junk food because it was late and my adrenaline would be pumping - which would put me back at square one

It is my hope that you've read some strategies here that you might want to give a try, and maybe you've had the same experience as me - we can improve our habits together. Overall, I hope that I will be able to relax and focus more in class as a result of feeling more organized. Also, I hope that when exam time comes, this system will allow me to review rather than be catching up. Who knows, maybe I'll even get fewer to no migraines!

YT: Welcome 2013

Hello again!

Here is a heads up that I've posted another You Tube video! In this video I mention about some of the topics I'd like to talk about this year, and distinguish between what will be mentioned on my blog versus my You Tube channel.

Check it out here!

Another Step Forward For Natural Hair!

Happy 2013!

Yes, yes, yes, 2013 began 9 days ago, but after all of the chatter of the world supposedly ending, I am so happy it didn't, and rejoice everyday as if it was January 1st!

I am excited to share with you some great news. During the holiday of 2012, one of my really good friends encouraged me to submit a post for the website "I Heart My Hair." The creators of " I Heart My Hair" aim to inspire self-acceptance and increase self-esteem through providing role models and positive representations of Natural Beauty. In particular, my friend informed me about submitting my "Big Chop" story (the story of when I decided to cut off my chemical relaxer and rock short, natural hair).

I remember feeling reborn when I did my Big Chop, and almost 5 years later, I have learned more than I thought possible back then about natural hair. I feel so honoured to have my story posted, and really hope that someone who is considering taking the leap gains motivation through our Big Chop stories, and starts the amazing journey for themselves!

If you're interested, you can check out my post here!

Thanks again to the awesome creators of "I Heart My Hair" for creating a website devoted to educating Naturals about our culture, health, and providing a community. It definitely sways a person to change their life for the better, especially if they're not so sure about taking the dive!

YouTube Channel Initiated!

Hello everyone!

So I've finally gotten through the first semester of the Naturopathic Medicine program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM)! I have so much to share, which I intend to do so during this holiday break.

However, in this post I wanted to mention that I finally uploaded a few videos to my YouTube channel (fanoflifend). I am such a beginner that it's kind of funny, but I become more excited with each video I make. Whenever I make a new video, I'll be tying it to this blog as a heads up, but so far, below are my first 4 videos:

1. First YouTube Video
In this video I talk about why I was interested in starting a channel, along with some of the topics I plan to upload.

2. Focus, Time Management, and DO What YOU Need To Do
In this video I talk about my experience during the first midterm session experienced at CCNM, along with the 3 biggest lessons I've taken away from it.

3. Tracking Unobsessively
Here I change topics and focus on monitoring hair growth.

4. Final Exams as Challenges
The week before exams we had a guest speaker in my Health Psychology class. His name is Daniel Bax, and he shared his experience which led to him finding his purpose of being. His talk was inspirational to me, and helped me to view my exams in a different perspective.

I have so much to share with you both within this blog and on my YouTube channel, so I hope that you enjoy and take away some valuable points!

In the meantime, enjoy your holidays :)

So Inspired!

It is certainly crunch time right now, but last Thursday there was an event I was so drawn to that I left the books that evening and attended that instead.

During these past few months I've had two instructors who have been incredibly influential in my mindset towards this program: my History and Philosophy professor - Dr.Anthony Godfrey, and my Health Psychology TA - Dr.Jodi Larry

In particular, the few lectures I've been privileged to have by Dr. Godfrey has opened my eyes towards higher consciousness and one's spirituality. Also, being a student in Dr. Larry's Psychology practical, she has shared many skills that she has learned through her personal experiences, of which I probably would not learn until much later in the game by encountering similar experiences myself. Another valuable thing I've learned from both of them is shifting my outlook on things - there's so much beneath the surface, and if we approach people from a judgmental stance, we're not going to see anything below the tip of the iceberg.

A personal endeavour I've taken on is to learn more about spirituality and how to become more aware of my own because I've seen that when people are connected with themselves and the Universe, their outlook, mindset, and perceptions of stressors are completely different from those who are less spiritually aware. Life aligns for them. A way I've chosen to fulfill that endeavour is to join a group with other spiritually-minded individuals, which will expose me to this realm by seeing what other people have learned, and are learning. So, last week, the group held a panel about Spirituality and Life, which felt like the perfect starting point for me.

I have so much I want to say about the panel itself, but overall, I've been noticing origins in shifting the way I think. Overall, I've been thinking more along the lines of us being here to help one another, rather than approaching life in a cut-throat, me-me-me manner that was quite adaptive for go-getters in undergrad. I'm also starting to look at the problematic relationships in my life - relationships that I do not want to end. Rather than looking at it strictly from an angle directed at me where I feel victimized and as though I'm not being treated fairly, I'm starting to think about the other person - what might be their reasons for how they're treating me, and they may not even be aware that they're projecting things onto me when I'm not actually the problem. At times, the way I'm treated can't nor should be justified, but it also reminds me that I need to grow a thicker skin, learn to develop/strengthen my spiritual boundaries, and continue to be aware that the situation is not always about me.

I'm so incredibly pleased that I attended the panel, as there is quite a lot that I am starting to think about. Don't worry, I'm not going to be selfish - I'm going to share later for sure ;) However, part of the responsibility of being a student in gaining access to so much great information is being trusted to learn it. Although I'm growing personally, I need to catch up on my school work so I have the textbook knowledge to help me do my job correctly and effectively! I am behind, but the thoughts and ideas revealed to me in the panel helped me to realize that this experience is a lesson within itself, and I can do it! So, I'm going to use my remaining time in a wise manner, and get back to studying!

To those of you out there studying for finals and completing those last remaining assignments, all the best to you! Truck on through, you'll feel awesome once you're done!

Source: http://files-cdn.formspring.me/photos/20120625/n4fe8c361af565.jpg

I Want to Understand ME

So I just completed week 11 of my first semester of my first year of becoming a Naturopathic Doctor, and I'm in the midst of deciding whether or not I'd like to change the pace I'm going at.

I made it my aim to complete to program in 4 years because I'm so excited for all of the opportunities that will await me after I finish, and I just want to be there. However, a constant theme that keeps arising is that all of life is a journey, and to gain the most out of it, we need to treasure every moment, experience, and what they teach us.

I think another reason I've been pushing myself to complete this program in 4 years is because I finished university in 5 years instead of 4, and I would compare myself to others who finished in 4 years or even 3 and think that they were smarter and more competent because of that. Yet, I've also noticed that I forget to remind myself that I took 2 years to adjust to workload, environment, and expectations - being a first generation student. In addition, I was so used to working part-time in high school and used to saving money for my education that I worked throughout university as well - that time was taken away from studying. My work opportunities led me to leadership opportunities and vice versa - without all of those things happening within those 5 years, I think I'd be a very different person. So, those 5 years were incredibly valuable to me, and I wouldn't have wanted it to turn out any other way. 6 years would've definitely been pushing it, but 4 years would've been too short.

http://www.quotepictures.net/life-is-a-journey-not-so-much-to-a-destination-but-a-transformation/

Now back to my life now, and why I'm highly considering changing my pace to part-time (so, finish in 5 years instead of 4), rather than staying on the full-time track, and finishing in 4 years.

These 11 weeks of my life have flown by! The only constants I can remember are being in class most of the day, going to the gym on Tuesday nights for Step or Combat, and Pump on Wednesday nights. Every other evening is different whether it's what I'm working on or need to plan to work on. It's very go-go-go! I enjoy that pace because it feels like I'm working towards something, as opposed to the summer where work became quite consistent. However, I miss working, and I'm sad about the opportunities I have to miss out on because this is my first priority. Yet, those outside opportunities are what excited me about taking this path.

I was speaking with a third year student last week who I had met at a supplement dinner, and she was telling me why she doesn't regret going part-time: time to attend workshops, you actually enjoy class because you don't experience as much information overload along with more time to process everything, you have time to work/volunteer which keeps you motivated. She was speaking to me! Then, I compare what she said with what I'm hearing from other 3rd year students who mention that there are endless assignments, it's so stressful, you don't have time for anything else, and there's a sense of desperation to finally get out of the quicksand and begin 4th year. They'll all make it through, but I don't like the thought that they're disliking it more than enjoying it.

 

http://www.improve-the-self.com/self_understanding.html

Although my mind seems to have been made up, I'm going to complete this semester, and possibly my winter term on full-time track before I make my final decision. You see, once I choose to take the part-time path, the program is set up in such a way that I won't be able to go back to the full-time track - so I want to be sure.

The reasons I want to go part-time are because:

• I want to put more time towards this blog (it feels awesome to be writing again!)
• I want to get my vlog up-and-running and learn more about making videos (I know virtually NOTHING!)
• I miss sleeping, especially now that I'm working hard to have a regular routine
• I want to invest more than I'm currently able to in my closest relationships. Although my loved ones are understanding, I want to be present in their lives, and I need them too
• I want to start a club on campus (for now the topic is a secret *wink*)
• I miss working: not for the money as I understand that I will be in debt regardless, but it gives me motivation and a context for why I'm spending all of those hours in class
• but most of all....I want to understand myself

As in Naturopathic Medicine we search for the root cause of illness in order to facilitate the healing process of the patient (through the healing power of Nature - the Vis Medicatrix Naturae), I realize that I have my own emotional problems which are stagnating my ability to heal, and they manifest as migraines, insomnia, and social anxiety. One of my priorities is to work through my personal problems which will allow me to heal myself, and also be more understanding of, and able to connect with my patients. Thereby, it is more important to me to invest in both my personal and academic progress, rather than put all of my energy towards progressing academically and losing some of my inner peace.