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Saying Thanks

In recent months, I’ve started to focus on being happy. After years of planning and working, I’ve secured a seat at my top choice of veterinary schools. I’m no longer chasing after something seemingly unattainable with every ounce of energy I can muster. I achieved the highest goal I set for myself, and now I’m free to devote more energy to the areas of personal development that I’ve neglected while making it happen. This is the focus that will bring me genuine happiness. Read more

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Glut Thy Sorrow

This week’s WordPress Photo Challenge really speaks to me. The prompt challenged bloggers to “share a photo inspired by a poem, verse, song lyric or story.” Photography and poetry go together like beauty and melancholy, like joy and sorrow. Opposites attract and complement one another, each bringing out the best in the other. Appreciation of these seemingly incongruous pairings is one of the biggest reasons I’m a fan of Romantic poetry, and John Keats in particular. His “Ode on Melancholy” is one of my favorite poems. It reminds me that life is full of deep sorrow and unbridled joy, but one cannot exist without the other, and neither one lasts indefinitely. Keats’ lines also suggest that beauty is, perhaps, best appreciated in a sudden fit of melancholy: Read more

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Dance

Maryland Hunt Cup (2).jpg

This week’s WordPress Photo Challenge theme is dance. I’m fascinated with rhythms in life, and find myself drawn to experiences that provide a sense of cohesion and coordination, especially amidst outward chaos. Life is full of these sort of impromptu dances. That’s part of the thrill of attending the Maryland Hunt Cup each April. Steeplechasing, and horseback riding in general, is an exercise in creating a coordinated effort between horse and rider. In addition, behind-the-scenes efforts of owners, trainers, and countless other people contribute to the establishment of rhythm between horse and rider pairs. A steeplechase then puts this coordinated effort on display before a pulsing, fluid crowd of spectators who disperse around the course to watch the events unfold. Individual rhythms combine to produce a vibrant dance.

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Regroup

Plum blossoms

Who’s up for taking a moment to regroup? For me, the new year never feels like much of a milestone. Yes, it’s a great reason to get together with friends and family, to celebrate, and to be grateful. But, there’s something about March that really feels like a new beginning for me, personally. Read more