From dark to light.

The Dark Knight Rises.
Aurora.
Dawn.
Guru... literally: Gu - dark, Ru - light.

Our country has witnessed another mass shooting. As this case unravels, new details about the real-life villain will continue to flash across our TV screens, our computer monitors, our newspaper headlines.

Any Harry Potter fans out there? "He-who-must-not-be-named." I believe this is what Aurora's 'wannabe Joker' should be referred to as. By using his real name, we slowly find ourselves forgetting the individuals who lost their lives, and ruminate on his unworthy soul.

Instead, focus on the stories that were good that day. Allow yourself to memorize the names of those whose lives were taken so horrendously. It could have been your mother, your husband, your comrade. Instead of trying to contemplate how one man gets his hands on so much ammo, let's ask ourselves, "Why do some people sacrifice more than others in the face of danger?"

Where there is darkness, light must follow. Ah, the irony, of a villain being overtaken by the good (and more powerful) forces. The city that is weeping has the entire nation behind them. Aurora, Colorado. For those who don't already know, Aurora roughly translates into "dawn." There were so many "dark knights" present during the massacre: the individuals who took their own lives to save a friend's, the police officers who had to escort dozens of injured movie-goers to safety, and the squads involved with keeping the apartment tenants out of harm's way.

My religion, Sikhism, believes in 10 Guru's. It has the meaning of "teacher," intended to portray the experience one should have when they abide by them: enlightenment. Simply put, it's a journey, from dark (Gu) into the light (Ru).

Whatever your beliefs, always let light lead your path. And when it seems there is none, that all you have is the pitch black of a blindfold around your eyes, and the eery silence of the night, wrap your arms around those whom you love... reach out and seek solace in the simplicity of their comfort. You never know how soon someone you know may go, you never know how long and rough the "night" will be -- but in time, light eventually peeks through the storm, and things start to get a little more bearable.

Whether you are simply dealing with the boards (as I am), or you are going through some other life experience, keep your head up, and continue to move forth. If you don't, you might miss the Dawn leading into a beautiful Sunrise.

God Bless Aurora. Through their strength, let's find Inspiration.

The Misra's

I should probably explain a little more background behind this "Inspiration" project. One of my friends, Swati, has started a blog to share the moments and experiences of her and her husband, Swarup. They are a tremendous couple, dedicated to each other, and so deeply loyal to their family and friends.

Reading her blog posts was a good reminder of something I was lacking in life: writing. No, I never was very good at this skill, but it's something that I always found therapeutic. So as I continued to read all her exciting updates about her new life in North Carolina, I started to wonder: when was the last time I really had to write?

Alright, so the last time was just mid-June, a reflective essay we had to submit for our internal medicine rotation. Prior to that, however, I realized the last time I had really written anything creative, or thoughtful, was probably the second year of undergrad. That was the last time I had any sort of English course. After that, the remainder of my undergraduate education was devoted to my basic science classes, and doing what I needed in order to become a qualified med school applicant. I also lost sight of "leisure reading," and I can't wait to reclaim that hobby during this last year of medical school! More than the idea of interviews, I am excited to be able to sit on a plane (or my couch, or a bench by the river) and read something other than Blueprints or Case Files!

So, thank you, Swati, for inspiring me to write once again. I admire your commitment to your husband, family, and friends. Your constant smiles, and positive, down-to-earth attitude is infectious! I hope you already knew that. :)

Many congratulations to you and Swarup for completing your training - and I wish you both endless years of happiness together. I am so excited that the Dr. Misra's are finally living together, and that the long distance is OVER!

Welcome

Life gets crazy. The whirlwind of expectations - mostly from myself - can get hard to bear at times. I started this blog to help seek (and recall) the simplicities that make each day happier. It's a shout-out to my friends who inspire me, and an ode to strangers who have also left their mark. It's my way of honoring whoever, whatever, wherever I find even the slightest hint of Inspiration.

Wherever I can find a moment of joy, it allows me the chance to "make peace with Crazy", to smile, to find laughter and common ground with all those that I love around me.

I hope whoever comes across this site will leave with an appreciation and reminder to not take the "little things" for granted.

Welcome & Enjoy! :)