Every time I go for a long walk or a run, I wonder briefly if today is the day my hip will break. Literally.
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Overcoming Overwhelm - The Power of a Mental Dump
Instead, my mind was racing so fast it felt like a race car moving too fast to make the turn. Feeling the forces pull you straightforward as you fight to turn the wheel and correct the course. Veering slightly up onto two wheels, sensing the impending doom of the crash that hasn't yet happened yet. The race of feeling overwhelmed.
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A Book I Think Everyone, Child or Adult, Should Have
"Life might have its failures, but this was not it. The only true failure can come if you quit."
If that isn't a life lesson of resiliency & failing forward in the midst of those who will laugh at the dreamers, I do not know what is.
Buy the book. Share the book. You will not regret it.
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Are You an Ugly Duckling or a Swan?
Childhood stories are a treasure trove of adult lessons in leadership and personal development. The story of the ugly duckling forces us to think of how we define our identity.
Don't be an ugly duckling.
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The Art of the Ask
There is something difficult we must talk about. Something no one really likes to admit. A fear many of us face. What is this treacherous topic?
Asking for help.
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When You Asked "How Are You?" Did You REALLY Mean It?
Such a simple question, often as overlooked as saying hello. Sadly, this question needs to be asked deeply, with the intent to listen the answer. Particularly in medicine.
Read MoreMay Your Bucket Be As Full As Your Basket
It can be easy to feel that our buckets get constantly emptied by the demands of life. At times, it can be hard find the time and space to refill that bucket - wouldn't it be so nice if we could refill our own buckets, as easily as we can fill basket full of chocolate & jellybeans?
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Do Doctors Really Celebrate on National Doctors’ Day?
As a doctor, do I actually celebrate Doctors’ Day? Do I think I should be celebrated and honored for my work? My service? My sacrifices?
I spent more time than I would like to admit thinking about this post. Thinking about what this day actually means to me. As I contemplate Doctors’ Day, I cannot help but think back to how I appreciate the OTHER doctors in my life.
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Name Your B.A.D.
No one wants to be laughed at or dream in a way that seems so far fetched it is impossible. Yet, the line stayed with me. I pondered over it and let it was over my mind like waves on a beach. Repetitive, simple, yet just as a water can erode rock, the thought took on more meaning.
Read MoreCheers to Burr Holes and Women Physicians
Today is National Women Physicians Day. It is a day that is full of inspiring stories of the trailblazing women who are the reason I was able to attend medical school, the women who demonstrated bravery and courage to raise their hand, be heard and make many of the discoveries that have laid the foundation for medicine as we know it today.
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Faith, Fear and What I Learned from Batman
...if your faith is stronger than your fears, you will step out and off that ledge into the unknown....
Lessons can be learned in the strangest of places, including on my couch, watching a Batman movie.
Read MoreBirthday Gift to Myself - Grace, Peace and Freedom from Haters
For the first time in years, I wanted to celebrate my birthday. To ENJOY the moment, and in the end, that meant giving myself the greatest gift.
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Professionalism and Personal Style
“You don’t look like a doctor.”
“You should change your look so people take you more seriously.”
I have heard these comments more times than I can count, but honestly, why do personal style and professionalism remain at odds? Leaders endeavor to be authentic, so should we.
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Brene Brown, Moana and Me
Over the last few years, I have felt ashamed – like I have gone “soft”, and that’s a weakness I did not want. “Soft” is vulnerable, sheds tears and shows emotion. “Soft” is not something to be proud of. Stoicism is.
Too many times I have heard – oh, motherhood does that to you. It turns you soft. You are just SO much more emotional.
This is never intended as a compliment.
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New Year's Eve Reflections, But NO Resolutions
2018 - What Will I Be Reading Next
My 2018 reading list is starting with this book I received for Christmas!
Present over perfect. Perfect is the enemy of happiness, success and productivity because it is an unattainable goal. I am SO ready to let go of perfection, who is with me?
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Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...
From now on your troubles will be out of sight.....
Read MoreWho Is the Author of YOUR Story?
Reading a book has a way of changing us, of altering our thoughts, actions and ultimately, lives. Genre does not matter in this regard - fairytales and fables taught many of us valuable lessons to live by, and this fictional story is not different. It made me pause and ask "Who is the author of my story?"
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On Living and Dying in the ICU
“How do you it?”
This is the most common question I am asked in the ICU. From patients, family, friends, students and even colleagues.
“How do you deal with life and death every day?”
Read MoreThankfulness
Yes, today is a day that is too often focused on food, football and shopping. And yes, while I may love the occasional piece of pumpkin pie and enjoying a fabulous meal with family, I also can easily forget the roots of this holiday.
Thankfulness for the life we are given.
Today, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect. To think back on the intent - a day to give thanks for a harvest. A harvest to sustain families through a harsh winter. A true time of celebration and gratitude for the ability to continue on living life. Living in the good and the bad, the up and downs. The joy and the sorrow.
Do not take today for granted, because wherever you are in life, you are more blessed in many ways than someone else. Reflect on the original celebration - it was not one of bounty or overindulgence, but one of survival. Gratitude and thankfulness for the possibility to continue on in this crazy, beautiful life.
Thanksgiving. Give thanks. Truly, give thanks to someone today. I promise you, a genuine expression of gratitude for even a small act of kindness can change the course of a life.
Much love to you all - and THANK YOU. Thank you for reading this, for supporting me and for all you do to lift others up.