Reflections

2017: What a year! It was the best of times, it was the best of times. That isn’t to say it wasn’t nerve-racking or scary or just plain hard. Yet, when you truly believe that what you are doing is right thing to do, nothing seems to hold you back.

I started the year knowing that I would be leaving my job. It was terrifying. So why do it? Because there are times in our lives we look back at who we have become and who we wanted to be… and sometimes the reflection surprises us.

I remember the exact moment I knew I was going to make a change. I came home from work and while standing in the kitchen talking to my husband, Dave, I was again disenchanted with the bureaucracy of medicine. My son, age 7 at the time, was sitting at the table. He turned to me and said “Mom, you should really quit your job”. Wow. I stopped and took a step back. A mirror was being held up to me and I had no choice but to reflect. I can remember that moment as if it were yesterday.

Since then things have been a crazy roller-coaster ride. I took the summer off to be with my husband and kids. These are the people who love and support me everyday but received very little of my time. My daughter and I were out the other day when she said “Mom, I like that you you get to spend time with me now”. The gift of time is one of the biggest gifts you can give. And now I get to give that gift to my family and my patients.

This past year I have made changes that have improved the lives of my patients, my family, and myself. It was a tough year but I came out stronger and happier than I have ever been. Here’s to looking forward to 2018. For all those that have been with me on this journey, thank you for hanging on for the ride!