Sara Ann O'Sullivan

Well, my last final exam of basic sciences is officially over — which means we can finally do two things:

1. Start studying for COMP
2. Start writing again

It’s funny to me in a way. For the past few months, I’ve struggled to write because of a single plot line I could not figure out. And now that I finally do know how to fix it, I have not had the time to write. But with COMP prep, I think I’ll be able to add a little fun back into my days. Not too much — I do want to pass this exam on the first try — but now, after completing a block of review questions, instead of rushing straight into a lecture, I can take 10 minutes to write a little something.

I’m currently working on a new set of poems I hope to release in May — fingers crossed! I’ll keep you all updated as I go. Sometimes, I’m amazed at how we humans find the time to do so much. Just yesterday — the day after my final — I found myself in a weird, dark mood. I expected to feel happy, but instead, burnout crept up and held my hand in the morning light. Thank goodness for people like my sister and my boyfriend, who never let me slip too far into the dark.

I think we all need to take a moment to look around and appreciate everything we do. Because we do amazing things every day. My sister always tells me, “It doesn’t matter how you start, as long as you start.” I’ve been on a weight loss journey this year (down 12 pounds and counting!), and on days I don’t feel like working out, I remind myself: 10 minutes does add up. And if, after 10 minutes, I really can’t go on, I still pat myself on the back and say, “You did a good job.”

Look at all the writers who aren’t full-time yet, but still write purely for the love of it — it’s brilliant. Or the parents who manage kids, hobbies, and work all at once. So this newsletter is a little shoutout to everyone who just tries — whether they do it sad, or heartbroken, or mad, or afraid of failing. We’re all on good paths.

Hopefully the next newsletter will be more exciting with updates about writing, but for now, I’m just one step closer to my medical degree. So in a way — that’s a win. 💛

Recipe of the Week: Brookies!
…Except they were a bit of a fail — more cakey than expected and very sweet. We’ll try again next week!

Thanks for being on this adventure with me!