Stirring Hope.
Igniting Faith.
Inspiring Action.
That is the purpose I chose for my original blog, which I started a decade ago. Looking back, it’s amazing how those carefully chosen phrases have fueled my teaching, writing, coaching, speaking, workshops, retreats, and all my work with physicians and medical teams for more than fifteen years.
Before “burnout” was even talked about in medicine, I experienced its discouragement, and learning how to recover and prevent it transformed my life and work. I know exactly what it feels like to be exhausted and demoralized despite superb training, loving your patients, and being deeply committed to your vocation. Truth is, back then, I needed better boundaries. I needed to use my leadership and communication skills more effectively. I needed coaching, clarity, and consistency.
Thankfully, I found all that and more, and my life and career took off in a new direction I would not have chosen on my own with the blind spots I had. Yet, it’s led to an adventure I wouldn’t trade for anything, and it’s given me the flexibility to be the wife, mom, and leader I am called to be. Hundreds of presentations, retreats, and four published books later, my dreams keep coming true! I feel so blessed.
Crafting a New Reality
I’ve been able to craft a new reality, though I’m keenly aware I’ve not done this alone. It’s a fact of life and human nature that we need each other. I’m so thankful for 3 visits with a counselor (she got me writing and that’s all I needed!), 10 coaching sessions (to identify my strengths, gain clarity, and develop a plan), and a community of faith (to ground me in my purpose daily).
This inspiring journey also led me to become a wellness & leadership coach to support my physician colleagues and medical teams as they, too, navigate the disorienting reality that is modern healthcare. Then I pursued and earned the gold-standard credential for coaches (from the International Coach Federation, ICF). What an exciting and meaningful adventure it’s been to continue to learn and grow as I equip, encourage, and empower other leaders to step out, too, and pursue their highest calling.
Supporting YOU as you care for others is my calling in the pandemic and beyond. I don’t want anyone leaving a career in medicine or a life in ministry — a lifetime of service — resentful, bitter, and less healthy than when they started.
What About You?
Are YOU feeling spent in the days of COVID-19? Are YOU losing your joy and a sense of meaning in life and work? Please don’t struggle alone. If you don’t have all you need at work and don’t even feel safe seeing patients, please reach out to the right person and prioritize YOUR needs.
If you need extra support and wonder if I may be able to provide it, don’t hesitate to contact me. If I’m not the right person, I’ll be the first to say it. You may contact me by clicking here.
I’m currently running a small group program for women physicians: Creating a Path to Meaning! I’ve had so much fun designing it and getting to know everyone. I lead group activities, provide coaching, and we learn together. It’s been a JOY and so meaningful, and I’m grateful for every participant! Future groups will incorporate more teaching based on needs I identify, as always.
My next virtual small group program for physicians is Crafting a New Reality and begins mid-January. This will give us all a chance to settle a bit into 2021 while still feeling the energy and momentum of a new year. I’m SO excited to continue to expand what I offer each of YOU! The structure will remain similar with weekly or every other week virtual meetings lasting about an hour. It will be practical, inspiring, and hands-on, and highly relevant to your life and work. Want to get on the waiting list? Let me know here and I’ll email you soon with details. If there are topics you’d want covered, let me know that, too. If you know me, you know I love to individualize all I do.
And, yes, I can offer these programs virtually for your group at your institution, so feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to explore that possibility.
A new year is around the corner. Yes, 2020 is almost behind us! Yeah!!! Let’s squeeze all the learning we can from this challenging year and begin afresh with intention, in community, and with HOPE!
Stay encouraged, stay connected, and remember to be good to yourself!
To learn more about my approach to “burnout,” read my latest peer-reviewed article, “Burnout” in the Workplace: Strategies, Omissions, and Lessons from Wounded Healers. Then write me here and let me know your thoughts!
Thinking about joining my next small group program? Get on the waiting list today before it fills up! See you soon!
