My First Newsletter Issue

Not sure what I’m doing but oh wells at least I’m finally doing it

Harlo friends and fam,

Welcome to my newsletter! I’ve been wanting to create this newsletter since I came here but haven’t found the time to until now. Or rather, with all the admin procedures and trying to settle into my new life here in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, it hasn’t been a priority. But I’m glad that now I’m sitting down comfortably at my desk in my room, with my bowl of cranberries and the warm sun rays shining in (winter here btw), writing this.

So why a newsletter? Why not just create a Telegram channel or use Whatsapp or post on Instagram?

  1. Writing is the best way I can authentically express myself without filtering the ‘not so pleasant’ side of things. To somewhat ‘openly’ share my thoughts without having to think about beautifying the reality.

  2. Update about my life without being distracted by social media or my phone.

  3. Share with you guys what I’m learning. To learn is to share.

Now, onto the main updates…

Projects I’m working on:

  1. Completing my Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist course with Chi University

    Started since January this year and if all goes well I’ll complete it by December this year. Mostly excited and looking forward to what there is to learn. I’m already intrigued by its complex yet simple diagnosis and treatment techniques. It’s a lot to learn and refine with its intricate details, yet the tools we use are always the same and simple — our senses and needles. But a part of me is a little uncertain on how I can integrate this and use it as a vet student. Imposter syndrome? Anyways, this is a topic for another time.

  2. Creating a Veterinary Integrative Practices Club in my vet school

    As part of my scholarship to study the Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist course, one of my responsibilities is to create an integrative/holistic/TCVM club in my vet school. I was and am incredibly elated to have such a great opportunity and support from such an establish institute (Chi University) to finally make an impact. I’ve always wanted to be involved in school by creating something or make a change but can never think of anything concrete. It’s been my bucket list item or a dream/goal. But this time it’s finally being realised! I’m just incredibly grateful to be in this position to help spread the word about Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, so that not only vet students benefit but, in the future, their clients, pet owners and animal patients they are going to help.

Things I’m up to lately:

  • Reading some Chinese before bed. (using Du Chinese)

  • Kickboxing 3X a week

  • Public speaking skills (attended a Toastmaster’s club for the second time here in Cluj, did an impromptu speech and am in the midst of asking about the process of joining it)

  • Living my ideal week (basically being intentional with my time but will share more about this next time)

  • Watching Star Wars with friends on Saturdays

New/interesting things I’m doing next week

  • Brazilian Jujitsu 2X a week

  • Acupuncture practical session at Timisoara (2 full days of classes from 8am to 6pm over the weekends)

I don’t know how this newsletter adventure project is going to play out but the plan for now is to update weekly about… anything on my mind. Maybe I’ll share my weekly reviews, updates on my projects or anything I find interesting. I shall end of with a thought: you never know until you try.

Live slow,

Jaelyn