For I know the plans I have for you...

Happy Monday!!!

I now have 3 days until my orientation process begins and 12 days until intern year begins. As I wrote in the last blog, I was worried about doing well and had a lot of anxiety. Recently, I was in search of a new devotional and my line sister recommended "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" by Sarah Young. It is written as if Jesus is speaking to you himself. Today, I had somewhat of an "Aha Moment" (as Oprah calls it). In today's reading He said, "If you trust that My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment." The moment I read that sentence I realized that I had NOT been relaxing and just enjoying my right now. While worrying about not being able to take Jai to her first day of kindergarten and how my working long hours in residency will affect her, I've not been taking full advantage of the quality time we have right now. I've been having "anticipatory stress," like I often do. But why worry about something that hasn't even happened yet. God has brought me such a long way and throughout my journey, He's never left my side. NOT ONCE have I been forsaken. So why in the world am I so worried. There's no way he would have brought me this far to leave me. Of course, I will continue to study and prepare for residency because I must do my part in the grand scheme of things. But, I won't be in a state of constant worry and stress. The path has already been laid out for me. I just have to hold His hand and let him lead me.

In other news (LOL) I recently purchased a little long coat for Jai and had her name put on it so that she would have one like mine. I want her to be a part of this whole experience with me. She was SO excited when she got it. The smile on her face was priceless! These are the aforementioned moments that I am making sure I savor. It's moments like this that let me know that I am doing the right thing with my life in trying to be a good role model for my daughter, whom I love more than anything. I also got another gift last week: a new baby sister, Savannah. She was born premature at 26 weeks and I know that, for me, she serves as a great lesson. Because I know what my family is experiencing during this time, it enables me to be more sensitive to the patients I serve who find themselves in this same situation. Look at how God works!! :-)

Mahogany Pearl: Relax and enjoy your RIGHT NOW. Why worry about tomorrow when tomorrow isn't guaranteed?


That's all I have for now! Blog to y'all soon! Love ya!

-Keisha B., MD

Ob/Gyn factoid of the day: I know most women dread pap-smears. Most women think that you have to start getting them when you become sexually active and that you must have them every year thereafter. This is FALSE. Per ACOG recommendations, every woman should begin having pap-smears at age 21. From age 21 - 29 you must get a pap-smear EVERY 2 YEARS, unless you've had an abnormal pap. For women 30 and older, get a pap smear every two years until you've had 3 CONSECUTIVE normal results. Then, you may go to EVERY 3 YEARS. The exceptions to this: History of mild to moderate dysplasia, HIV, weakened immune system or history of DES exposure at birth.

Let the countdown begin!!

Hey Y'all!!

After much thought and consideration, I decided to start this blog that I sincerely hope to be able to keep up throughout residency. Throughout medical school, I thought that no one really understood what I was going through most of the time (except my classmates, of course). I think that if I had blogged through it, it would have given everyone a window into my life and help you all understand it more. It's also a way for me to vent, as I tend to write much better than I communicate verbally. So, I'm going to attempt to blog throughout this journey and I hope that you all will continue to take this journey with me through the blog!

I have 18 more days until my intern year begins on July 1, 2012 and I am TERRIFIED!! I want so much to do well. I know that this is my calling and my biggest fear is letting God down. I always say, do your best and He'll do the rest, but I often wonder if my best is good enough. My stress level was on 10 today and I talked to a great friend of mine who told me, "Just roll with it!" along with some other encouraging words that brought me off the edge. I pray that y'all will pray for and with me through the next four years, as I will definitely need it!! As much as I am terrified, I am also very excited!! I'm about to begin a new chapter in my life and I'm so glad you all are along for the ride!!

Today's Mahogany Pearl is one of my most favorite quotes: "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." - Unknown.... That says it all!!

Until next time,

-Keisha B., MD