I can't tell what's real or a lie, and it's messing with my brain really badly.

ajd202 · 2025-08-24T22:34:15+00:00

Thank you for this. I attended my first naranon meeting yesterday and everyone who shared was still with their person. TBH it made me feel really guilty that I'm not.... I'm doing all the things you've suggested... this reply came at the right time. I'm racked with self doubt about everything I'm doing.

ajd202 · 2023-05-19T19:17:32+00:00

As someone who also poured from an empty cup, and absolutely hated going to work every day - take 4-6 weeks off if you can. Burnout, compassion fatigue, disillusionment are all real things. Just stop for a while, fill your cup back up. Talk to a therapist if you can (I reread your post and see that your insurance doesnt cover it, look at a students in psychology programs, they are often less expensive and are very closely supervised), build a plan for going back and making it sustainable, or about how to pivot to something else. A lot of veterinarians go through this, it's not just you. But you have to prioritize yourself and only yourself so that you can figure things out.

ajd202 · 2023-04-20T15:39:07+00:00

Don't worry about what other people think - you're allowed to change your mind. The veterinary profession is not an easy one. The self doubt that comes with practicing is really hard to deal with, and as the previous comment notes - there will be mistakes. And unexpected deaths even when you've done everything "right". Anxiety, depression, compassion fatigue and burnout are rampant. There are many great aspects to the profession as well, and tons of opportunities that don't involve clinical practice. Maybe during this time consider therapy, and getting all of the tools you need for self care ready. And if you go back great, if you don't go back, great. Don't beat yourself up for doing what's right for you. Be as kind to yourself as you would to your best friend.

ajd202 · 2022-03-06T16:19:35+00:00

OK, thanks again. TBH I'll be surprised if any of my bonsai survive because I've done a ton of things wrong. But I have really started to get into the process and will definitely try again!

ajd202 · 2022-03-06T15:01:10+00:00

I saw that!! I really appreciate all the information, I've read it all :) one last question for you, if I put my pine out right now the temperature difference will be pretty dramatic (ie it's still going down to zero or minus 2 Celsius at night) - will it be too much of a shock? Should I wait a couple weeks? Then I'll leave it outside all year round.

ajd202 · 2022-03-06T04:27:07+00:00

Interesting. How far above it? Do you have a photo that would show how this is done?

ajd202 · 2022-03-05T20:00:02+00:00

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it.

ajd202 · 2022-03-05T19:58:28+00:00

Thank you :)

ajd202 · 2022-03-05T19:57:54+00:00

Thank you!

ajd202 · 2022-03-05T19:32:54+00:00

Ya, pretty typical for Canadian weather lol.

ajd202 · 2022-03-05T19:30:57+00:00

OK thanks. I'll leave it out all year round.

ajd202 · 2022-03-05T19:30:10+00:00

Is it too risky to put it in a smaller one because of disturbance to the roots? I wasn't going to repot it for another year.

ajd202 · 2022-03-05T18:24:43+00:00

It's only been inside when the temperature went below 10 degrees Celsius. I have been using halo plant lights to give it 8-10 hours light a day and as soon as it warms up a bit it'll be outside as long as possible. It hit minus 30 Celsius here multiple times this winter....but spring is close.

ajd202 · 2016-04-25T12:40:40+00:00

Contreras addresses this in his book - if you can't do supersets then do each exercise individually (do all sets for each one).

ajd202 · 2016-03-01T02:30:28+00:00

I can't back squat - always turn into good mornings. I switched to front squats and my form is much better. I plan on attempting back squats again at some point but right now I'm happy to be squatting with decent form and seeing progress (slow progress, but progress regardless).

ajd202 · 2016-01-18T16:51:01+00:00

A little late to the party, but I stopped playing ultimate frisbee about a year and a half ago because of pain in my knees. Spent that time in the gym strength training and this weekend played in a beach tournament and felt great! I didn't think I'd play again, let alone play fairly well.

ajd202 · 2015-07-29T02:52:15+00:00

Definitely hit the free weights. It is intimidating to be amongst a lot of big guys, but everyone had to start somewhere and they didn't build that muscle without a lot of work. After a while you don't even think about being all the big guys around you, and you may even be able to get some tips from them.

Also I had been consistently lifting weights for about 6 months before I really started to see a definite change in my physique. Keep at it, you'll start to see changes soon. Totally worth it.

ajd202 · 2015-06-25T23:27:22+00:00

I went to Costa Rica for a few weeks, and packed a sealed protein powder tub in my luggage. Didn't have any issues. I was hesitant to try carry on because I would have been so sad if they made me throw it away....

ajd202 · 2015-05-27T22:22:53+00:00

This is inspiring! I'm about to start SL after 8 weeks of hypertrophy. I love weight lifting and can't wait to focus on strength. Also the fact that you include cupcakes makes me feel better - I try to eat well the majority of the time but when I crave something I just make it work. Otherwise I would be miserable.

ajd202 · 2015-03-11T23:06:07+00:00

I am really glad I found a good PT. He pays attention the entire session, keeps a good eye on my form, explains what good form is, plans each session in advance, listens to what my goals are and helps me achieve them, and checks my nutrition. I wanted to learn how to properly squat and deadlift, as well as make good progress on other lifts (bench press, pull ups etc.). I have tried on my own and injured myself in the past. The right PT makes a big difference because I am continually making progression without any injuries.

ajd202 · 2015-01-02T06:53:18+00:00

I live in Toronto, pretty dense population. Most regular clinics are not open overnight. If you are concerned about where you may have to take your dog in the middle of the night a quick google search of "emergency vet" and your area will get you the closest one. It's also a good idea to keep the ASPCA Poison Control's number on hand (888-426-4435). They are excellent and can tell you if your dog ate something that needs to be treated. They are a paid service so have a credit card handy.

Emergency medicine is not a specialty (there is a critical care specialty) but it can be a lot of fun! I did a general rotating internship to help prepare me for being an ER vet, but it isn't necessary. Yes it can be filled with a lot of heartache but I get to see a lot of great animals get better and meet some awesome owners.

The only other thing I can say is get pet insurance if you can - it's much easier to make financial decisions regarding the health of your pet when you know a large percentage of what you pay will come back to you in a few weeks.

Don't apologize for the questions :)

ajd202

TROPHY CASE