“Thank God it’s Friday!” I hate this phrase. Okay, that’s a bit too strong. I strongly dislike this statement. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s wonderful to be thankful for Friday but why not be thankful for Monday through Thursday as well?

As a very young child I never really cared what day of the week it was. Every day was play day and I was grateful for that. However, as life became more complex, the days took on their unique qualities. Mondays were the worst! How I dreamed Wednesday would come. By Thursday, I could see the light and on Friday you could get me to sing any song (no matter how corny it may have been).

And then… It became like a drug.

Friday wasn’t enough for me. I found myself wishing for my basketball season to start in 2 weeks, my birthday in 2 months, Spring break, and finally summer vacation. I couldn’t wait to start driving my first vehicle. I couldn’t wait to graduate high school. I couldn’t wait to graduate college. Before I knew it, my 20’s blew by. My decade long medical training had engulfed my young adult life. These years were filled with a seemingly never-ending climb up the totem pole always eagerly anticipating the next round. Gone just like that. I realized that I had wished so many weeks and years away by always looking ahead.

Again, I hope you don’t miss my point. There is no problem with looking ahead for planning purposes or in excitement for your future. This is necessary and vital for success and motivation. All I am saying is that life goes by fast so don’t forget to live in the moment. Soak in your time in anatomy lab (even if it is on a Monday). Get to know a new classmate you never thought you’d cross paths with. Take a trip to a foreign land. Call up a loved one to check on them. Being someone strongly driven by rewards, I find it very helpful to set daily or at times hourly rewards which are healthy. This may mean going for a walk after an hour of studying or speaking with a great friend, grandparent or nephew every Monday morning. It’s these little things that enrich one’s life. These are the things that allow you to live in the moment and avoid painful regrets.

I once asked our very own intensivist, Dr. Dale what advice patients on their dying bed shared with him as he cared for them. He said, “they are typically too sick to communicate by the time they reach him in the ICU but he can tell so much about them by those loved ones who come around. It’s always sad when no one comes by to visit them but others have a full room of people sharing moments and fond memories of the patient.” I don’t want to be the bearer of sad news but these are the realities of life. We sometimes get stuck in the weeds and miss the larger picture until it becomes too late. Being a premed is tough but can be a lot of fun as can every step on your journey to become that DO or MD. Enjoy the moment and next week don’t forget to remind yourself, Thank God it’s Monday!

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