‘The mind is everything. What we think we become.’ ~ Buddha.
A twenty-something Biology graduate embarking on what is fundamentally the most transitional stage of her life. That would be me then. The next decade will be one where I discover who I am, dreams are chased and caught, disappointments overcome, potentials unlocked, passions discovered and answers uncovered. I’m not going to pretend for one second it will be easy or I have everything figured out but my gritty determination has never failed me yet in the face of challenges. One thing is for sure, I’ll never lose focus of my goal to make the best of this one lifetime and be all I can be.
As the founder of Buddhism said ‘What we think we become’. Which is actually the catalyst for this blog. I’m hoping this journal will be a soundboard for my musings, contemplations, thoughts and aphorisms. Armed with a plethora of interests, an excitement for life and an over-analytical mind I probably should have started blogging a long time ago, but alas! Chronicling life has always appealed to me, nostalgically watching your story unfold from the mundane to the monumental in years to come. Everyday is your history so why not capture the journey?
This is my journey.
City Soliloquy 
there have been some experiments carried out that suggest that thought has mass (very small though).
so it’s postulated that thought can affect the physical world. may be if you think about something very hard (like meditation) you might end up getting it.
Thanks for the thought-provoking comment Joash, sounds like some interesting research to read into (the concept of thought having mass is intriguing).
I’m most definitely a believer in positive thinking. Seeing obstacles and challenges in terms of ‘possible’ and ‘can’ instead of admitting defeat and surrendering. To some extent everything starts in the mind, as it’s our thoughts that influence our actions.
I read in the Psychology of Positive Action (Gollwitzer & Bargh) that the enhanced persistence, problem solving, creativity of positive individuals coupled with less fear of failure makes them more likely to achieve their aspirations.
Realising our actions are within our control is also key to the ‘think positive theory’. If people perceive themselves to be stuck in an unfair or difficult situation they often feel overwhelmed and that their actions are out of their control often leading to a feeling of self-defeat and wanting to give up.
Visualise, be optimistic and take control!
Hey! Thank you for the comment! I see you just started so I’ll definitely add you to my blog roll so far I like what you’re writing. I wish I had time to write about the things I’m pondering about but now I feel like I reduced it done to microblogging tweets of what is going up. Anyways I did this list because I was so excited about finishing my undergrad years but as the days drew closer to end I was wondering what am I going to do? I mean I decided not to go to grad school right now, I wanted to get a job and work but is there anything else? So that was when I decided to come up with a list of 101 things to do in 1,001 days to remedy my quarterlife crisis haha. I don’t think I’ll be doing all of them by 1,001 days because I have quite a few travelings ones. Oh well…it’s nice to dream right?
Anyways good luck on your list.
Hey Julie!
I loved your blog and reading about your adventures in the real world, it’s always fun to see which path people choose and the escapades they encounter on the way. Reciprocated the blogroll lovin’, I’m honored!
The ‘what am I going to do’ question left me a bit rabbit-in-the-headlights too so I understand where you’re coming from there. I had thought about careers more than often through University but there was so much I was interested in I had trouble narrowing it down as I didn’t want to narrow my scope so early and close myself off from opportunities that might happen in the future.
I actually think not straight going to grad school for the sake of it or to weather out the economic situation is a smart move. Been reading so many articles saying the extra piece of paper is more recipe for extra student debt and not all that greater job prospects. I would love to go and do a Masters in the future, but right now I’d rather get work experience and work out which area of biology I’d like to focus on. At the end of the day, you got to do it your way!
Ha, I think the list is a super idea. I need to give myself some short term and long term things. A whole bunch of mine will be globe trotting too. Cambodia, Japan, Galapagos Islands anyone?
The blog is my borderline-QLC remedy! I’m thinking of it as some kind of self-discipline and a way to keep my writing skills, focus and goals in check.
Happy dreaming!
LOVE THAT QUOTE!
thanks for stopping by my blog! i’ll be subscribing to your ! 🙂
I have been skipping around a la Zooey D since seeing that video on your blog!
🙂 she’s the best!
Hello! thanks for dropping by 🙂
I like your profile; driven and determined is EXACTLY what I need now as I’m trying to write my thesis. Alas, I’m finding myself lacking in that aspect.
Interesting. I like the way you with a goal. 🙂
I always worry if I don’t make goals I might wander through life aimlessly in a dreamlike state 😀
Now, go own that thesis and show it whose boss!
Hello, thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I really appreciate it.
By the way, I like your blog and your way to see the life. May be I will spend more time to drop at your blog. I still newbies in the blog-world, may be I can learn from you.
Your comment has encourage me to write more in English…thanks a lot 🙂
I still feel relatively new to the blog world myself 🙂 but I’ll try my best to help if you need it.
Your English is exceptionally good and reads well, so I think you must be on the right tracks.
good quote! it reminded me of a documentary movie called “what the bleep do we know?” (http://www.whatthebleep.com/whatthebleep/). our thoughts have impact on even our physical bodies. now that i’m taking yoga, i’m learning that first-hand. ;p
Our mind is our most powerful tool, I’m a genuine believer in think and you can achieve. I also believe in the power of positivity. I will endeavor to see that movie as I can’t resist a good documentary.
I have yet to try yoga but it’s definitely something I’m interested in pursuing. I’ll sure be keeping an eye on that blog of yours.
‘What we think we become.’ I like that, and it rings very true. A lot has happened in my life, even if I am only twenty-six. One thing I have learned is that perspective means everything. Hey, I am linking your blog. I hope you don’t mind.
Isn’t it madness how much can happen over such a short period of years? I feel like I’ve seen a lot but at the same time I have so much more to experience in life, making me realise how much of a gift life is all over again.
Your blog is gorgeous and I know I’m going to be inspired by it and compelled to comment so I’d love to link yours. I really enjoyed picking my brain for words that slip off the tongue nicely.
Aww, you’re so sweet! Feel free to link me. (Ha…I kind of already linked you. 🙂 ) Love your blog, and I LOVE the font you’re using.
Way ahead of you 😀 Linked you as soon as I read your post on writer’s block. You are talented girl!
“Everyday is your history so why not capture the journey?”
I think you’ve just summed up the reason why we’re all blogging, the reason why we’re all here. Thanks for the comment on my blog, I love hearing stories about other people who initially wanted to teach and realized it wasn’t right for them. I’m loving your blog so far, I can’t wait to read more.
Melissa thank you so much for the encouraging comments! Playing comment catch-up today. I was dilly dallying over starting a blog for so long – would I be able to keep it up? When will I run out of ideas? I realised even if I couldn’t or I did run dry then at least I would have something to commemorate a little portion of time.
Here’s to blogging friendships new and keeping our creative and bloggy juices flowing.
Oh, and I also have friends who joined the teaching gig late without much thought as they didn’t know what to do after graduation. Some bailed out. But least they learned it wasn’t for them instead of being left wondering, thinking the dreaded ‘what ifs’.
Hey Nicola,
You remind me of a very close friend of mine. I am linking your blog to my poetry site. Maybe you’d like to drop by: http://bsawon.wordpress.com/
Keep up the interesting blogging.
Benjamin
Thanks so much Benjamin, you’re a gifted poet and I’m impressed that you already have two books to your name. I would love to get published someday whether for a scientific journal or a piece of creative writing.
Well said… The mind (and the heart) really is everything. I’ve been meaning to try meditation- to become better at controlling my thoughts and be at peace.
Oh, and I’m super jealous that you live so close to the national park. I bet it’s beautiful up there.
Thank you so much for leaving a piece of your mind and heart here, you certainly write intellectually and from the heart. Let me know if I can link you 🙂
I’ll have to upload some Banff photos, some of them were National Geographic worthy. Because of the beauty of the scenery not my photography skills 😀
Yay! Thanks for the comments, and I’m totally looking forward to ur insights on life. Suddenly Don Quixote pops into mind, “To dream the impossible dream. . .” okay, I’m done.
This is my Quest, to follow that star!
I’ve linked ZG here because your blog is super duper. Your visits and blog company are very much appreciated 🙂
Just wanted to let you know that there’s an award waiting for you on my blog… oh yeah. Check it out:
http://tastingtouchinghearingseeing.blogspot.com/2010/05/all-shall-love-me-and-despaaaiiir.html
Thank you so so so much! I will bow down graciously and accept with an acceptance post 😀 Many thanks again dearie ❤
Hey, loving your blog and reading this post (and related comments) in particular has given me some perspective! Thanks =)
Thank you so so much, I’m amazed at how poignant and encouraging the comments I get are 😀 Like little boosts of ‘you go girl’!
Pingback: In Many Guises « City Soliloquy
I think that quote is extremely true. I’m going to post it on my facebook.
When I first knew her website, I thought her newest post was Nostradamus, and (gee, why don’t she post anything although she told me a minutes ago ‘I wrote surprising things that I had today!’?) anyway I realized what happened to me when I scroll down to the bottom..