Take 1 *looong shot*

First off, happy March! People kept reminding that my birthday is just exactly 4 weeks away. Thanks for the reminder because I couldn't even keep track of the date... and sometimes of my age. Yesterday, I had to subtract 2014 to the year I was born (lol). I know..

Third week into my clinical rotation... and slowly getting comfortable. 

This week, our focus is on motivational interviewing (MI). The concept is beautiful as you use this technique to empower your clients/patients to facilitate behavior change. I truly believe that to make any changes in life, it has to come within oneself; no one can make you change unless you are ready or want to change. I constantly do this to myself (lol). 

Motivational interviewing is not a new concept to me as I took a few classes and I actually needed to record myself practicing it and critique myself too. However, in class (with classmates or friends) is different from the real world. I knew the theory and concept so well, but I just couldn't apply or haven't had a chance to apply it. Even though I just role played with my preceptors, I got so caught up in wanting to say the right things that I felt helpless and stupid... and then flustered and anxious. That point, I seriously felt helpless and was on the verge of tearing (I haven't felt this way for so long... I couldn't even remember the last time I felt so helpless that I broke down - maybe two years ago before I became so independent). Of course, I did not break down in front my preceptors - I got a hold of myself and pull it off anyway. I never thought practicing MI at that moment could push me over the edge anyway - sorry, if that sounded dramatic.

After I pulled myself together, I thought I did a pretty good job in asking open-ended questions, reflecting and summarizing. And so, I figured that I just needed to go with the flow and stop thinking to ask the "right" questions, because there ain't ONE right question. I just need to relax and think less (if that makes sense). My preceptors guided me well into the right directions. 

More MI to come this week. I hope I continue to improve!

p.s. sent my thesis proposal to my research committee! ^.^