A Gift

Those of you who have been following along know that the last couple of months have been a time of change and transition for me. It’s been unsettling, uncomfortable, and stressful. And liberating.

I find it fascinating how the changing up of our circumstances has the potential to open so many doors, perspectives, and opportunities – and enable growth, in the process. It has felt quite like going through the wringer, a time of existential crisis, of taking stock and re-evaluating my purpose, what’s most important to me, and how I want to contribute. And it has been such a gift.

Nothing about my life or work has changed on paper – and my mindset and perspective is so much greater, and so much bigger than ever before. Even though the circumstances of my job and life remain the same, I feel so different. So much more grounded in purpose and the perspective that this work of transforming the culture of medicine is so much greater than any one organization, one region, one health system or one country. I have fellow chief wellness officer colleagues in other countries experiencing exactly what we are experiencing here in the U.S. We are not unique in our struggles. And knowing that there is this undercurrent of common humanity in all we are experiencing, helps us all to realize that we are not alone.

The last three weeks have been the Rose of the last several months for me. A time of deep conversations and connections with people who have reminded me why I’m doing all of this. These special human beings have reminded me of what is most important -- and that what is most important is indeed quite simple. I am here to bring the unconditional love and joy to others and the world that is precious, and so hard to find. Because I know that it is rare, that many have never experienced this gift, and because I know it can exist.

Thank you, friends, for being a gift to so many others – and to me, too.