Monthly Archives: November 2015

Gathering

Posted on by
10

November Gratitude Shorts, Day 14

(I’ll write a make-up post for yesterday.)

“I’m always grateful when we gather to educate one another.” –Mark Silver, MD

The last two days held a gathering that filled my mind and my heart. The annual meeting of the American College of Physicians Illinois Chapter brought together almost 200 internists from across the state.  National leaders in cardiology, adult vaccination, physician well-being and numerous other fields spoke with passion and inspiration.  We learned, discussed, and communed.  I reconnected with friends from college, residency, teaching, and practice, and made several new friends. 

In this era when we can look up any information on the internet, the chance to meet in person to share ideas and learnings feels exceptional.  We humans require connection to thrive. Too often we allow the daily grind to interfere with this, and we slowly wither away inside. 

My most sincere thanks to all of my creative, dedicated, and generous colleagues who made this meeting possible!  May we keep our flames lit and hold one another in the light of purpose and caring. 

In Praise of the Words of Others

Posted on by
11

Today I give thanks for my amazing WordPress friends.  Every day my Reader fills up with inspiration, education, curiosity, and connection.

So today, I will share some of these treasures!

I already reblogged Donna Cameron’s post on when it is nobler to sacrifice honesty for kindness, but here it is again.

Maria Holm has written a heartfelt letter to an impetuous young woman on the real search for true love.

Rachel Griffin, an artistic force of nature, writes powerfully once again to give voice to people with mental illness, and remove once and for all the stigma and shame around them.  You go, Rachel!

Emily Heath wrote a powerful post, the first I had read about Starbucks’ red cups.  It’s still the best one I’ve read yet, and was picked up by Huff Post.

Benjamin Studebaker, a gifted political scientist, gives us the perfect reframe of feminism, so we can all move forward using the word as a synonym for gender equality.

Finally, Melissa recently wrote a moving piece on the tenacity of nature, despite the destruction of humans.

I hope you enjoy these articles and authors as much as I do.  It’s a privilege and a joy to count myself among such inspired and inspiring people.  Thank you, all!

Reconciliation Is For Kids

Posted on by
12

November Gratitude Shorts, Day 11

“Mama, I like how your mood gets better when you listen to music .”

“You’re always telling us to eat less sugar, and you’re eating ice cream and cake.”

Thank God for my kids who call me out and keep me honest. They don’t do it to embarrass me or make me feel bad about myself. Their goal is not to shame me. They simply make observations of my behavior and its inconsistencies with my rhetoric. They are curious, and seek reconciliation. 

Earlier today I reblogged Donna Cameron’s excellent post on the judgement required to determine when naked honesty is not always the best policy. I think talking about this stuff out loud, especially with our kids, is important. We need to be clear about our guiding life principles, and hold them up. We also need to practice flexibility and discretion.  It’s not always easy, and we must keep trying. 

I counsel people all day about the virtues of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. And they would find me eating ice cream and cookies more often than I’d like to admit. I work on it every day just like everybody else. I need my own advice as much as the next person. 

I think it’d be nice if we adults approached one another’s inconsistencies like children do, from a place of curiosity, non-judgement, and love.