Although I don’t love the history behind Thanksgiving Day, I do love the modern idea of reflecting on things we are and should be grateful for. As dental students we become master complainers and get trapped into the mindset that life will only get better after; after this week of tests is over, after this semester is over or after dental school itself is over. I am guilty of believing this myself, but I also know that it’s important to be present and enjoy the ride, even if it is bumpy and I get really carsick. This is a ride I could not wait to get on just 2 years ago, so here I am counting my blessings on this terrifying journey.
Second Year
There were times last year when I just knewww I was over my head. Imposter syndrome had its foot on my neck and I didn’t believe I was supposed to be here. Looking back, that was ridiculous. I’m a competent human being, capable of learning, and determined to be the best dentist to ever do dentistry (lol jk but at least I’ll be a cute dentist). I’m here and for that I cannot complain.
Mental Health
In my first year of dental school I lost 15 pounds because of the stress of school and adjusting to living away from my family and friends. When my college friends saw me after just a few months of school they could tell I wasn’t doing well. Traditionally it’s pretty taboo for Black people to seek mental health help, and I almost fell victim to tradition. I wasn’t excited to go, but I’m so glad I did. The antianxiety medicine my psychiatrist started me on changed my life. The biggest benefit for me has been having steady hands during progress assessments. It’s allowed me to actually excel at something in dental school which is refreshing.
Of course I still struggle, but school is much more manageable now. Aside from taking control of my own mental health, I also encourage my friends to visit the student counseling center on campus. It’s free and literally down the hall from where we have lectures in the dental school (I have my own theories about why the counseling center for the ENTIRE university health science center system is located IN the dental building but that’s another story for another day).
My Cute Little Apartment and Plants
If you know me, you know my home is my sanctuary. There should be nothing but peace and Joi (lol) inside. My previous apartment was beautiful and quaint from a distance but when you looked closer it was actually filled with exterminator proof bugs, and unfriendly front desk staff. Where I live now is a critter free, top floor unit with great staff and down the street from my favorite taco restaurant. I’m grateful for this great apartment I get to raise my plant children (Rhonda, Martha, and Barbara) in and they’re super happy so far too. In my last apartment I killed 4 of 5 plants and as of right now I have 3 happy healthy plants.
Family
My family is amazing. They always seem to know exactly when I need an encouraging call or an unexpected day visit. My dad also lets me complain about school, just to follow with “Yeah it’s supposed to be hard. Keep going until it’s over.” I really appreciate his encouragement even if I don’t want it at the moment (ya know sometimes you just want to sulk and dassit). Anyway, there’s nothing they won’t do for me and I appreciate that security.
Friends
Whether it is sending me funny tweets and instagram posts, calling me to listen to their baby talk in gibberish, or filling me in on the latest workplace gossip my friends always find ways to make me smile. They know I’m out here in this desert called dental school and make it a point to connect with me anyway. I love that they understand when I’m busy and never hold it against me when I have to miss important functions. I could not be here without them and I hope I’m as great of a friend to them as they are to me.
There are definitely more people, places and things I have to be grateful for, but I’m not about to keep typing. I encourage you all to practice gratitude too. For me it really helps me put things in perspective and live in the moment, instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Alright that’s it. If you made it this far, thank you for reading and feel free to comment what you’re grateful for.
Peace and blessings,
2 responses to “Gratitude Matters”
I am grateful for the life I have. God has brought me through some things. He’s given me things only he can provide. He’s also allowed me to love and be loved from those I share this life with. I am so blessed.
I love you Joi. This one is my next fav behind the others. (Lol) I appreciate you giving us another insight to your life. Please know that I am her for you and always will be.
I am grateful for health (my own and the health of my family) and security in every way. Sometimes I catch myself complaining about things that won’t matter in five minutes, but such is life. I’m working on it.
Anyway, you’re an amazing cousin and I look forward to keeping up with your blog.