Much to my surprise, I am learning to like, and indeed love, many things that used to make me cringe. Years ago, I would have been depressed to spend an entire weekend writing a paper -- particularly one on persistent vegetative states. I used to avoid thinking about brain damage and its consequences, but now that I'm approaching the issue as the focus of an ethics issue, it's intriguing. This doesn't mean that I'm about to finally sign my advance directive -- I'm still too squeamish for that -- but much to my surprise, I'm finding the philosophical issues fascinating.
It used to be that I'd get very excited over the idea of going out with some cute guy. I'm almost embarrassed to say that the emotional high point of the week was receiving four ethics documents via email.
I used to be very much the bright-lights-big-city sort of girl, but now I'm making time each day to stare at Puget Sound, play with a puppy, and eat a quiet meal. With the stress levels so high at school right now, these are self-protective behaviors, along with the daily aerobic exercise.
How terribly wholesome. I'm sure these changes aren't entirely permanent.
Some how I have come across your blog via wasted time wandering facebook and this blog caught my eye. I doubt you are this interested but if you are I am doing a clinical rotation at a wonderful place in Puyallup, called Rainer Vista. They are a nursing home that specializes in trach care and ventilation. I have helped take care of countless vegitative patients and they are truly some of the most amazing experiences I have had. I am only 23 and seeing the simple things that have changed their lives forever, certainly makes me want to have all of my documents anf affairs in order.... everything just happens in the blink of an eye.
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Oh Pam :) If these changes are permanent, you will probably still have plenty of random things to enjoy. I know what you mean though about wholesome things - often all I want to do is sit outside and watch trees or read a textbook.
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