I hope this finds you thriving (or at least surviving) in the whirlwind of your work, life, and the holidays!
For the first time since starting residency, I am off for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year's holidays. I always feel a sense of nostalgia during the holidays, and as I have been preparing for the coming festivities, I've been thinking about my family.
As the oldest of seven children in the Midwest, family was inescapable. I was raised in the same city where my parents grew up. My siblings and I were surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and generations of cousins. Family gatherings were our routine. Whether it was something “big,” like a 16th birthday, routine like Sunday suppers, Friday night football games, or summer afternoons at the pool, we celebrated being together. These weren’t just activities; they were the threads connecting our family’s tapestry. I was always part of something bigger than myself.
Our traditions truly came alive during the holidays. In this week's blog post, I explore the importance of these traditions and how my medical training impacted my ability to be present.
"Connection is why we're here. It brings purpose and meaning to our lives."
-Brene Brown
Coach's Corner
Family traditions aren’t just rituals; they’re the glue that holds us together during life's most hectic times. Let this quote remind you of the strength and comfort your loved ones bring, especially when the stethoscope feels a bit too heavy, whether it is the family you are born into or the one you choose and create.
🛠️ Coaching Corner: Tradition Transformation Exercise 🛠️
Step 1: Reflect
Take a moment to think about your favorite tradition. What makes it special? How does it make you feel?
Step 2: Identify
Consider how you can integrate this tradition into your busy schedule. Maybe it’s a weekly family dinner, a monthly game night, or an annual holiday gathering.
Step 3: Commit
Set a specific date and time to bring this tradition to life. Mark it on your calendar and treat it as non-negotiable—just like your most important appointments.
Step 4: Share
Talk to your family about why this tradition matters and how it helps you recharge. Encourage everyone to contribute their ideas to make it even more meaningful.
Why It Works: Establishing and maintaining family traditions creates a predictable and comforting routine despite the unpredictability of medical life. It fosters connection, reduces stress, and reminds us of why we do what we do.
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🤝 Let’s Thrive Together! 🤝
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Stay awesome, and keep nurturing those precious traditions!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,
Ben Reinking
Founder & Coach, The Developing Doctor
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 thedevelopingdoctor.com
P.S. Loved the blog? Please share it with a fellow physician who could use a little burnout-busting inspiration!
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