November Gratitude Shorts, Day 16
Grateful for a break once in a while. Volleyball cancelled tonight so I may rest an injured hand. Three weeks until the next conference, a chance to take a breath, integrate the learning, and be with the family. No pending deadlines (other than a blog post per day). Caught up at work. Projects on autopilot for now. Looking forward to the holiday slow down, and will try to avoid the holiday rush…
Wishing you all some peace and rest, also.
November Gratitude Shorts, Addendum
I missed Day 13 due to the meeting I mentioned yesterday. Briefly, all day Friday I found myself feeling grateful to live in Chicago. This is rare–most of the time I lament that I live here and look forward to the day I can move back to Colorado. But being among my many passionate and inspiring colleagues, and reconnecting with people from my last 24 years here, I was reminded that this is where I am meant to be now.
Focusing on anywhere other than where I am now serves me little. The climate bothers me, and I prefer mountains to water. But I live here, and I can visit the Rockies anytime I want. My life is here right now, and it’s a pretty great life. So I will practice gratitude for Chicago more often from now on.
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.
