Hi Sharika,

So I read both yours, and Heather’s post last night. Both of them needed some special attention for a response, and I found myself thinking of advice to give you that mirrored Heather’s, and that I SHOULD be taking myself.

First of all, you’re really young. You’re still in undergrad, so you’re already ahead of your game for having these thoughts right now. How long have you been feeling something is “wrong” with this compromise? Is it something new, something flitting by, or something deeply rooted inside you? That may help you develop some awareness over the situation, and I think awareness is very powerful. Or in a different direction, what if I said, and I’m not saying this AT ALL, “ignore that voice. those people are right. you are thinking too much. pursue medicine.” How would you feel? If I literally told you what to do, would that voice go away? How else can it be nurtured? Does it need to drop medicine entirely, or is it looking for a more unique approach to medicine?

Heather gives some amazing advice that you can apply to yourself as well, but I also think you have time. And I don’t know much about medicine by any means, but are there ways to combine the two, at least for your youth? I’ve had friends who have pursued medical missionaries, the peace corps, or learn how to combine their love for yoga with medical instruction. Talk to your professors. Explore the travel abroad options. Take one fun class on writing. Take this time to explore your options, and if any jump out to you and feel *right*, then you have the first step. And the first step, I believe, may lead to an answer that won’t necessarily come as fast as you want it to.

I hope that helped. 🙂

Amanda

Thank you all. I wrote some of these things down in my journal. Beautiful advice that I can carry with me and use as guidance.

Inky, I’ve never thought of it that way. What a good way to examine my place in the world. Jasmine, that’s such a good question to ask. The idea of knowledge of who one is..though I sometimes wonder if we’re “finding” ourselves or building ourselves…Probably a bit of both.

And Luna, so glad to get your words as well. I just spent a week working from home and it’s been amazingly transformative. I often feel obligated to hang out with friends, and when I do, I sometimes worry about what to say or try to keep a positive energy flowing through the room. When I do this, I am not cultivating my relationship with myself because I am not being my true self. It’s been an interesting realization.

Such kind words from all of you folk! Thank you thank you thank. 🙂