This past week, I’ve seen a list repeating daily on my newsfeed.
“Regrets of the Dying”
One of the top regrets: “I wish I didn’t work so hard.”
I’m sorry, but I vehemently disagree.
I live what I do. I am my brand. Even my parents can’t help but ask me constant medical questions.
It is my honor to be the light people seek in times of dark confusion. It is my honor to be someone’s – anyone’s – inspiration, motivation.
Work does not just have to be a paycheck. I have built a career of jobs that I truly love.
My life is being a doctor, a teacher. It doesn’t turn off even though I’m a friend, a daughter.
When my father looks into my eyes for hope and answers – I can give him both.
When my concerned friends call me in the middle of the night for comfort and answers – I can give them both.
When my overworked students need reassurance of the relevance of their studies and that this job will be worth the work – I can give them both.
I don’t regret a moment I devoted to this career. If I have one regret upon dying, it will be that I didn’t give even more.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley