My Journey Through Pet Loss and Grief
Not long ago, I said goodbye to my beloved dog, Stanzi. Everyone told me it woud be hard. I underestimated how hard.
As a pediatric cardiologist- I have a lot of experience helping others navigate grief and loss. Given that experience, I thought I would somehow be prepared; that I would be immune to sadness or better at grieving. I am not.
When the time came, grief hit me like tsunami. The sadness was deep and real—far deeper than I had anticipated. Despite all my training, despite all the comforting words I’ve offered to grieving patients, I was simply, and heartbreakingly, a person who lost a cherished friend.
It turns out, physicians have feelings
Over the years, physicians develop a certain “armor” to protect ourselves. We rely on to it to navigate the days we don't talk about with our families. But personal grief has a way of slipping through even the best professional shields. I share this story with you because it’s taught me so much about the vulnerabilities we all carry beneath the weight of our responsibilities. I share those lessons in this week's blog post.
The best way to heal a broken heart, is to use it more, not less.
Ben Reinking
Coach's Corner
Grief is not the price of loss, but the echo of love – a testament to the joy that once filled spaces now empty.
With that in mind, your assignment this week is simple.
Reach out to someone you love.
- Call your mom
- Send a text to your sibling
- Meet a friend for a cup of coffee
- Tell your partner you love them
- Take your dog for a walk (and give them an extra treat)
Do one thing on this list today.
Thanks for reading- and for showing up for your patients, your family, your friends - even on days when it is hard.
Warmly,
P.S.: Life is too short to be miserable. If you are looking for more in your life and career- here's how I can help:
- Book a FREE COACHING CONSULT. No pressure or obligation- 45 minutes of my time to discover how to get the most out of your career.
- Check out my course "Mastery and Wellness: How to Thrive as a Physician." You will walk away with at least 8 hourse of catergory 2 CME and learn skills we were not taught in medical school. Enter the code: STANZI at check out for 25% off. (good through 2/14/25)
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