Is it just me, or does the summer trimester feel like it flies by faster than any other? One moment I’m registering for classes and the next I’m halfway through finals prep, wondering how the weeks disappeared. It’s already a hectic time with the accelerated pace, but for me, this summer has been extra full between keeping up with classes, clinical hours and planning a wedding, I feel like I’ve barely come up for air.
A Balancing Act
Balancing school and wedding planning has been a whole new lesson in yin and yang. On one hand, I’m diving deep into acupuncture theory, herbal formulas and clinic shifts. On the other, I’m choosing flower arrangements, chasing RSVPs, and figuring out how to keep everyone happy (including myself). Add in the general curveballs life tends to throw like family needs, bills, unexpected car issues and it’s a constant juggle.
In moments like these, I’m grateful for the grounding tools Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) gives us. Breathing, gua sha, warm teas, even a few moxa sticks at the end of the day these little rituals help me come back to center. I remind myself often: I’m not just learning this medicine, I’m living it. Time management has become its own kind of practice. Some days are more graceful than others, but I’ve stopped chasing perfection and started honoring effort. Lists help, as does setting small goals, and learning to say “no” when I need to protect my energy. I’m also learning to appreciate the beauty in the chaos after all, the yang energy of summer is fast and fiery. It’s up to us to balance it with moments of quiet, reflection and rest.
Staying Connected
Even when it feels overwhelming, I come back to why I’m here: to help others, to grow and to stay connected to what’s real. And through it all clinic charts and color palettes alike, I know I’m building something beautiful, both in medicine and in life.
Follow Carly’s Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine journey.
