Dear Medical Student Spouses,

Happy New Year!

Another six months of medical school have flown by! Yeah! Whether you're a first, second, third, or fourth year, or more, congratulations on how far you've come!  Doesn't it feel great?

As excited as I am to be a few months away from Dan's medical school graduation, I've also started to feel quite nostalgic. Medical school has been such a wonderful experience for our family, and I'm sad to see it come to a close. I'm sad at the thought of leaving Utah, the great things to do here, our families, and the wonderful friends we've made here. But the nostalgia has been good, because it has motivated me to make the most of every day. There are so many things I want to do and take advantage of during this period of my life. I want to live my life to the fullest so that I won't have any regrets.

A Quaker website quotes: "Live adventurously. When choices arise, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community? Let your life speak."

Part of living life to the fullest includes noticing and being grateful for the little things. My two-year old has been so animated, so expressive, and so excited about things lately. He has been so much fun. On Christmas, each time he received a gift, he'd exclaim, with great enthusiasm, "Oh yeah!  What could it be?!" He was thrilled with the wrapping paper, boxes, and everything inside. He made me realize that I could be more excited about life and that I should find joy in the moment. Amidst the tough times of medical school and life, there is still so much joy to be found. Boyd K. Packer said, "Find happiness in ordinary things, and keep your sense of humor."

Good luck to each of you. I hope that you are making the most of these wonderful medical school years. I hope that you are surviving the hard days and enjoying the little things.

Come join with MSA whenever you can over the next several months – at socials, interest groups, and service activities. I hope to see you around.

Sincerely,

Brittany