Dooley Noted: 2/23/2014
In a Facebook world of posting all that’s hunky dory, I feel the need to bring the real.
So, I need you to know this fact.
A few weeks ago, I lost myself.
I traded training days for patient appointments. I lost myself in my desire to contribute.
I saw myself negotiate my principle set to please other people. I watched and felt it happen.
My president of the Dooley Board of Trustees reminded me of a significant point:
“You are a disciplined woman. Discipline yourself to put yourself first.”
I struggled with this concept. How can I make them wait? They are in need.
I flew every weekend for the past few months. During the safety instructions, I always make a point not to fiddle around or ignore them.
I listen.
The flight attendant reminds you to put the oxygen mask on yourself. Then – you help others with theirs.
That was counterintuitive to me because of my unending need to contribute. Then, I looked at the heart vasculature. It follows the same concept.
The aorta’s first branches are the coronary arteries. The heart feeds itself first, then feeds everything else.
To be truly committed to my contribution, I have to feed myself first.
It is challenging to book time with me. I understand my patients’ frustrations. But the whole point of seeing me is getting assessed by someone who lives what she does.
If I am my brand, then I can’t sacrifice myself for them.
This beautiful flaw turned into a hard lesson. It is a shame it took two weeks. But it’s over, and I’m better for losing myself.
My President of the B.O.T. is right, as he has been every day for the 16 years I’ve known him.
If you lose yourself, discipline yourself to be found again.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley