Step Three: Hit the Wall

I hit the wall.  Again.  I’ve been running headfirst into that wall quite regularly for the past six weeks.  Sometimes it sneaks up on me.  I’ll find myself gazing out the window or constantly checking my email hoping for something interesting to distract me.  Or I’ll wander around Itunes under the pretext of searching for the perfect study music.  But sometime my brain just flat out goes blank. It sounds like this, “-------------------------------------------------”.  And despite the fact that my eyes continue scanning the page appearing to be soaking in the information, the appropriately placed alphabet and punctuation jumble into nothing.  And I’ve hit the wall.

So the question always its: do you try to fight through the wall and force yourself to keep learning?  Or do you call Uncle and give yourself a break?  The problem is that we all know that those breaks usually end up full out surrenders and no more studying will take place that day.  And so you find yours truly.  Its 4:21 pm on a BEAUTIFUL fall Saturday in New Orleans.  Normal people are enjoying the outdoors and reveling in the first respite of the unbearable New Orleans summers.  My friends are at Audubon Park throwing a Frisbee.  Others are still recovering from their hangover from last night. But I’m at the same coffee shop I’ve been at since 9:30 this morning.  There’s still so much to learn, but I don’t think I’ve got the strength to break through this wall.  I’m calling it quits. 

And so it is.  My life as a med student.  Filled with Knowledge followed by Walls followed by Fun Times with friends.  I passed my first round of exams, so I’ll assume this order is working.  And I’m having tons of fun.

So should I go for a run to keep my body somewhat healthy?  Should I take a nap to prevent the inevitable exhaustion I know will come by midnight?  Should I go meet up with my friends at the park to relax?  All those options surely trump staying in this Godforsaken coffee shop.    

                      Ben hit the wall right along with me.  It's nice to know I'm not alone.