Reflecting in paradise

People find it strange when I tell them that I was looking forward to coming back to Saba... I really started to built my life here, calling it my home (away from home) and getting back into my school, study, eat, run, sleep routine. I've settled here and I love the experience... it's my paradise.

Since being back I've had my mind set on some school specific goals. My mom sent me an email a few weeks ago about reflecting on the past year and moving forward. It's a list of things from David Allen, the founder of "GTD: getting things done". An organization which talks about ways in managing your life the way you want to. He has some great ideas if you feel in reflective/goal setting mood. Anyways, I wanted to share his questions for the new year with you....

• What would you like to be your biggest triumph in 2012?
• graduate from the basic science program at Saba feeling that I have tried my best and feeling satisfied with my efforts for this part of my medical school journey.
• What advice would you like to give yourself in 2012?
• "when you think you've reached your maximum potential, you haven't. Keep pushing."
• What is the major effort you are planning to improve your financial results in 2012?
• hahaha. Try to stay as much out of my loan as possible. Student living is a pretty big priority
• What would you be most happy about completing in 2012?
• well I think this one goes along with the biggest triumph but I also would be ecstatic to finish a half marathon (one of the goals I've set for myself - will be running in October if all goes well!)
• What major indulgence are you willing to experience in 2012?
• traveling. Traveling is my addicting fascination. I love immersing myself into a different culture and experiencing different ways of life. I think it's an essential opportunity to learn about interacting with people and opening up to understanding the world. (I know this is a vague answer but I am thinking of doing a post after exams about traveling and what it really means to me -- I've been thinking about it quite a bit lately)
• What would you most like to change about yourself in 2012?
• become more aware of my surroundings and less clumsy in day to day tasks - I think they go hand in hand haha. I think I will keep the more personal ones to myself :)
• What are you looking forward to learning in 2012?
• integrating all my science knowledge with clinical diagnosis. I'm loving the application side of medicine!
• What do you think your biggest risk will be in 2012?
• hmmm. I think I will substitute risk with challenge. Soooo that will definitely constitute of taking the USMLE Step 1 test which will determine the rest of my life. Not scary at all, right? 
• What about your work are you most committed to changing and improving in 2012?
• more efficient study habits. I'm definitely getting the hang of "smart studying" but there is still a lot of work to be done.
• What is one as yet undeveloped talent you are willing to explore in 2012?
• I love the sound of an acoustic guitar but I don't come from a musical family so as a kid I grew up with sports and physical activity rather than music. I've given up on singing (trust me that's a good thing!) but maybe playing the guitar will be a thing I can try?
• What brings you the most joy and how are you going to do or have more of that in 2012?
• pursuing my dream...
• Who or what, other than yourself, are you most committed to loving and serving in 2012?
• 2012 will be about being selfish. Yes, I know this sounds like the 'wrong' thing to say but for those of you who know me will probably agree that it is a good thing. I've always been the type of person to go out of my way to help someone out - even if it interfered with some of my plans - so this year I am dedicating myself to myself. I need to focus on my goals... this one is going to be tough.
• What one word would you like to have as your theme in 2012?
• Passion. (strength and motivation with a pinch of zeal.)

Your turn to start thinking.