Sixteenth Blog - Whatever Works

As I'm writing this blog entry, I'm watching Woody Allen's Whatever Works. It is just like other Woody Allen films with the quirky (or should I say crazy) mannerisms, actions, and thoughts coming from each character in the story. I love how every film of Woody Allen captures the interaction of people with emotional baggage and personality disorders. With that, he's a genius and a madman. :))

I really don't know what to say but I have to admit that I'm fascinated by how people mind's works and how it affects their behavior. It's mind-boggling yet entertaining at the same time especially when other people do something defiant with our concept of being normal. I just hope that someday, I will be able to, I don't know, understand even the half of it. 

Anyway, I'm getting of topic. Let's go back to Woody Allen's Whatever Works. It's about a cynical old man (you know the kind who has his theories about everything and somewhat neurotic too) who marries a sweet, cheerful, naive twenty one year old girl. The complication starts, or should I say, it gets more complicated when the parents of the girl comes in to the picture. Hmm, actually, I don't have much to say, sorry about that... but it's a nice movie. (Some people may find it boring but I like it.) The characters in the film just do whatever works for them even if it's out of the norm or something. It has a funny ending too. Oh, for the ladies out there, here's one reason why you should see the film: 

Henry Cavill as Randy

"See, I'm the only one who sees the whole picture. That's what they mean by genius." - Woody Allen

Fifteenth Blog - Happier

"Are you happier than you were one year ago? Yes or no, be honest with yourelf." That's what the tweet reads. Just had to type it again because I can't read it in the image. :))

So, to answer the question honestly: Yes, I am happier than I was a year ago. The year 2011 is not really one of my best years. I just graduated from college and I was undergoing making life-changing decisions. Other people, like my mother and sister, want me to find a job and immediately start working. On the other hand, as I've said, for the past four years, to my parents, to my classmates, to my teachers, and to others, that I want to take medicine. They must have thought that I was joking or something. So what should I do? The question that ran and ran again in my mind is: "I know what I want to do. But what do I need to do?" Do I need to please my mother and sister? And I did - at first. I looked for jobs and started attending interviews. But I wasn't happy. During my very first interview, I think - no scratch that - I did self-sabotage. I passed the battery test and first interview. So, that was good, I thought. And during the final interview, there's me and only another applicant. Oh, we're applying for the position of HR Assistant. As we were waiting, I'm thinking what it would be like to work in that company I was applying for. I didn't like what I imagined. The place is dreadful! It's so quiet, restraint and boring. I'm not meant for that kind of life. In five years, I didn't see myself working in that company. So, when the employer asked me if she called and gave me the job, would I accept it. You know what my answer was? "I'll think about it." The self-sabotaging didn't end there. While waiting for the result, the other applicant who was so nice to me, even gave me a biscuit. But in return, I vomited at her! I was so self-conflicted that it affected my biological aspect. That is one of the most embarrassing moments in my life. The other applicant didn't get angry, or at least didn't show anger. After that, I went home - feeling tired (but relieved).

Anyway, after a few apprehending months or was that weeks, my mother finally agreed to my taking a medical degree. I didn't talk to her and I was hostile to her. I was sulking in my bed. I don't have a room of my own. But in the end, she agreed. And I continued reviewing for NMAT that was scheduled December last year. That's when I looked for a part-time job: Freelance Writer. See, I do compromises. :D

In conclusion (what's this? an essay? XD), I am happier now than last year. Because I have little certainty on the path I'm taking for the rest of my life. And I got what I want. :)) Certainty makes us feel secured so it helps in our happiness. However, I admit that it's sad sometimes, because I keep feeling doubt but then I have to look at the big picture: I am a doctor, that's my purpose! I won't give up! :)

"Sometimes, it gets frustrating to see that my goal is just a tiny seed right now; but having a vision of what I want it to become keeps me motivated to just go for it without giving up." The Happiness Project

Fourteenth Blog - Missed Blog

I'm sad... :( I missed an entry blog for the month of July. It's not like I have a deadline and it's not even like others are reading my blog. But what I have in here is the proof of my commitment. This blog-thing is supposed to show that I know how to commit on matters I decided to do. I've been very busy studying (the subjects I need for MY medical degree!) but that's no excuse. It's not. I really should learn how to find time for this kind of thing... 

"It's better late than never. However, never late is better." :))

Thirteenth Blog - John 3:16

Ages ago I read something amazing in my quiet time. It's that the verse John 3:16 is God's miniature Bible. You want to know why? Here's why... :)

 - God - the greatest lover

 - so loved - the greatest degree

 - that He gave - the greatest act

 - His only begotten Son - the greatest gift

 - that whoever believes - the greatest simplicity

 - in Him - the greatest person

 - should not perish - the greatest promise

 - but - the greatest difference

 - have - the greatest certainty

 - everlasting life - the greatest possesion

Now, isn't that amazing - how one verse can tell so much... :D

I love God! :)

Twelfth blog - Fusiform Gyrus

This months blog is a trivial matter. Well, it depends. For those in the medical field, it's an important matter. Anyway, I'm going to introduce you to one of my favorite parts of the human brain: the fusiform gyrus. 

Fusiform Gyrus

The fusiform gyrus is part of the temporal lobe. (The temporal lobe is a part of the cerebral cortex in either hemisphere of the brain lying inside the temples of the head.) It's like a computer loaded with a terabyte memory. (Have I used that term right? XD) And it's that part of the brain that allows us to recognize or distinguish one face among the literally thousand of faces that we know. Amazing, right? :)

Hmm, let's see. Try picturing the following people: Albert Einstein, Beethoven, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, your favorite teacher, your parents, your friends, your first crush... Done? You've just used your fusiform gyrus. ;)

The human brain is a most unusual intsrument of elegant and as yet unknown capacity. Stuart Seaton

Eleventh Blog - Happiness

This month, I have started reading Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. I'm still at the first part of the book, but it has made me reflect on some aspects of my life which need improving. You know, it's a very good book that inspires you to be happy. (In my case, to be happier.) It's a book that can help you straighten your life. And unlike other inspirational books, The Happiness Project suggests that you can find happiness in your own home. You don't have to go somewhere far (like in Eat Pray Love (I also love that book!)) You can find happiness in the things you already have. I recommend it. ;)

Gretchen Rubin's TWELVE COMMANDMENTS (for a happy life)

1. Be Gretchen. (Be yourself.)

2. Let it go.

3. Act the way I want to feel.

4. Do it now.

5. Be polite and be fair.

6. Enjoy the process.

7. Spend out.

8. Identify the problem.

9. Lighten up.

10. Do what ought to be done.

11. No calculation.

12. There is only love.

Now, Gretchen Rubin's twelve commandments inspired me to make my own, well, rules in life. Hmm, some of them I've been following my whole life and some are established for me to have a better life.

1. Make God your "person". (I'm a believer!)

2. Be a deluded moron. Believe in the impossible. (I also advocate The Secret.)

3. Embrace boredom. (And you'll never be bored.)

4. Always bring comedy to life. (I'm not a fan of real drama. I think it's intoxicating.)

5. Don't complain and don't expect too much either. (So true!)

6. Let it be. (Like my favorite Beatle said: ♪ There will be answer, let it be!)

7. When you want things done right, do it yourself. (It's recommended for people who strives for perfection.)

8. Accept rejection. (It's God's redirection.)

9. Always see the best in people. (Don't judge fast.)

10. A strong commitment will achieve good results. (Never give up!)
11. Get angry only to those people who deserve your love. (If they're not deserving, don't waste your time.) 

Working on my happiness wouldn't just make me happier, it would boost the happiness of the people around me. The Happiness Project :) 

Tenth Blog - Dreams

For the past few days, my dreams had been - vivid. I can't tell you exactly all the details; but it involves being in a new place, feeling confused and the feeling of looking for something. Wow, I suppose I just told you what I think about my dreams. :)) Anyway, I'm telling this because, I'd like to discuss what I know about dreams - the dreams that involve the act of sleeping and not the dreams that pertains to aspirations or goals. But I guess, you know that by now. :)

So, what do I know about dreams?

First, I read in one of Paulo Coelho's book (I forgot which one, maybe it's The Alchemist? hihi, I'm not sure! XD) that dreams are gifts from God. I think what Coelho is trying to tell here that dreams should be taken in importance. It has to mean something right? What you dream might be a prophecy, well, maybe it's not important for the sake of the whole world but it can be important to your own little world. :)

Second, I know that dreams are essential in Psychology. You dream because of your brain and your brain functions the way your psyche (soul/whole being) works. So, it means that dreaming is a way of understanding one self. Sigmund Freud specialized in dream interpretation. He believed that dreams are repressed wishes and it reflects our deepest desires. 

Yes, dreams can be symbolic. And it is hard to interpret dreams through symbolism because not all meanings can apply to all people. Hmm, let's take for example a color. For some red can mean love or passion but for some it can mean aggression or blood (violence). 

However, sometimes, we don't need to look for symbolic objects in our dreams. Sometimes, all we need to identify is what we are feeling while we are dreaming. Emotions are vital. It helps a lot in understanding our disposition. Just take in for example what I've written above. Right now, I know that I'm taking a new step in life. It's all new to me that's why I'm feeling confused and I know that I'm searching for something. Though about that, I'm still wondering what... 

As an advice, try asking yourself whenever you wake from a vivid dream: "Why am I having this dream now?"

Third, I know that dreams are very confusing! Sometimes you just have to let the dreams be. Don't overthink things... :))

"Dreams are answers to questions we haven't figured out how to ask." - X Files ;)