Dooley Noted: 2/14/2014
Recently, a wonderful man took me to dinner.
He knew how hard it was to book me, and he made sure I knew he valued my time.
The conversation was easy. The connection was magnetic. It was nice.
This made me think of when people meet and fall in love.
That dopaminergic surge is perceived in the reward center, much like your vice of choice. You truly get rewarded by the interaction.
If love is a drug, then Valentine’s Day is the dealer.
People love this day. Frankly, so do I – but not because of romantic reasons.
It reminds me of the day I got fired and was able to finally work MY way.
I’ll admit that I am in love with my career. One might say I’m married to it. Boyfriends have come and gone, but my life’s work has been as true to me as I have been committed to it.
Yesterday, I traversed the weather, snow and hail pelting me in the face, to meet my 6:30 and 7:30 AM patients.
They didn’t cancel, because they are unwilling to wait. They have goals to achieve.
I’m in love with helping them.
As I shivered and pistol-squatted to stay warm waiting for this bus, I trekked as a skeleton crew member to teach the subject I love to students.
I’m in love with helping them.
Someone reminded me that my blog is part of her morning ritual, along with coffee and seeing off kids to school. My writing has impact on readers.
I’m in love with helping them.
When it comes to my readers, my students, my patients – I have one solid motto:
“You don’t give up on me, and I won’t give up on you.”
Perhaps this version of love is untraditional. It’s not flowers and candy. It’s not romantic love. Yet, it’s deeper than any romantic relationship I’ve maintained.
And I’m not willing to trade it for anything in the world.
It’s a promise of commitment that is born from purpose.
And this love is going nowhere.
This day can be about all kinds of love. My valentines – please know I don’t need a day to appreciate you.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley