5 Rules for Life

1. Challenge yourself.
Set goals that make you s-t-r-e-t-c-h! It is a cop-out to make things too easy- always take it to the next level and don't be afraid to fail. Wouldn't you rather fail trying to do something that makes you expand your abilities and work harder than you ever thought you could, rather than succeed at doing something you knew you could accomplish with your eyes closed?

2. Make yourself a brand.
Sit down and decide what you want to be, and what you want people to associate with you. Map it out and then work hard to make it a reality. Think of at least three things you want people to think of you as. For example, I am... someone that enjoys helping others- humans and animals alike; a dedicated, passionate, and hardworking medical student; a loving daughter, sister, and mother to my pups. That is my brand. Who are you?

3. Realize that happiness isn't something you "obtain".
The sooner you realize that happiness is not something you obtain like a piece of furniture or a job, the more likely you are to achieve it. Most people think they will be happy if they get a promotion, make a sale, start a relationship with someone, or buy a certain kind of car. But happiness is created, not acquired. Have you ever wondered why- as a general rule- people with less are happier than people with more?

4. Live responsibly.
This has many meanings, but basically it means don't ignore injustices, treat others with respect, do what is right for the world and environment, and quit thinking it is "someone else's" job.

5. Get a dog.
A dog loves you unconditionally. A dog thinks you are the greatest, coolest, smartest, most successful person in the world. Get a dog and work hard to live up to its expectations.




(This is posted on the wall at the psychiatric hospital I'm currently working at. Though it was written for teenagers to read, the rules are applicable to all ages! I loved it so much that I wanted to share it on my blog in hopes that other people will see it's truth! I have no idea who wrote it, so unfortunately I can't give credit where it's due. Since it was originally written in first person by someone else, I changed a few things to make us think about ourselves and gave a personal example in rule #2. By far my favorite rule... #5!!!!!!)

Summer Indulgences

Black or White, Hazara or Pashtun... Who cares anymore? We are all people. That's what I love about living in this country, during this time ie. post-segregation. Both of my summer reading choices thus far have been incredibly enlightening, inspiring, and heart-wrenching stories that I will never forget. If you haven't read these books yet, you must. They're fantastic.


Another summer indulgence, I got a new bike! Upon insistence of a friend, I named her. Raleigh. She and I will share many rides through Chicago, I have no doubt!

I'm sad to say that one of my first friends in Chicago has moved away... on to bigger and better things! Good bye Sir Gosha, you will be greatly missed, but I am so happy for you!

Emulating my fashion icon

(Both photos taken in Paris)

Yikes, does this make me a wanna-be? Carrie Bradshaw does this look so much better than I do. :)

And for all single women:



Amen sistas!

Love them!

These things are making me sooo happy right now! :)

1. My new membership to Vessel Yoga. It's a small, incredibly challenging, and perfect yoga studio. The work out is keeping me balanced, and other attendees/ instructors are so nice! I love the way I feel when I'm actively practicing and meditating through yoga.


2. Foster the People's album. They were in Chicago for Lollapalooza, and my dear friend, Sir Gosha, shared them with me. I'm obsessed.


3. Bare Minerals makeup. I recently made the switch from MAC's powder to Bare Minerals foundation. I was really nervous at the time, but it was a great change! There is a lot of hype around their products, I know, but it's well deserved. :)

Nashville

Nashville is the name of the editing format I used for these photos. :) They were taken this weekend when one of my girlfriends from childhood came to visit Chi!

In typical tourist fashion, and the FIRST time I have done this... taken a picture with "the bean".

Enjoying Lollapalooza, from the outside.

...Because I love hipster/ indie fashion.

Artwork by the incredible Banksy.

Miss Sunshine

What a lovely day! I made it through my first shelf exam, went to Chicago's beach for the first time all summer, and read a really good book, The Help! I'm so looking forward to having this weekend off before starting psychiatry on Monday! :)

Inspiration.

It's logic.