Dooley Noted: 3/5/2015
I’m honored to be an anatomy instructor for Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
It’s one of the most incredible anatomy labs in the world, elevated six floors from the world below.
You can watch as snow falls heavily onto the streets of the Bronx.
Today, we finished our semester of anatomy. It’s always a bittersweet day, grading the exams and watching students move on.
But today was more sweet than bitter.
I watched snow cascade from the vast windows at Einstein.
I worried for a second that I’d miss my flight to Australia.
And as I felt my stomach turn with worry, I realized that I’m the one who created that anxiety.
I caught the feeling early.
So, I turned around my perspective. And it made me feel powerful.
I looked at the beauty of that snow and knew I had no control over a delayed flight.
I made all the plans, in case a delay happened.
So, I did everything I could do.
The calm had to happen IN the storm, not before it.
I have a wonderful boyfriend, who braved the storm to take me to a job I love.
Upon leaving my wonderful workplace, I hopped into a taxi, with the kindest, most considerate driver I’ve met.
I emailed patients on the treacherous drive, making sure my work was complete. I tried not to distract the driver, who I complimented on his ability to handle the weather.
One hour later, I was at JFK. I went through the meditative process of check-in, and boarded my flight.
As I sit here on board, I’m so thankful my plane is taking off.
I’m not anxious.
I’m not upset.
I didn’t exhaust myself with bringing tension to a situation I couldn’t control.
It was a turning point in my life.
I’m not stating I’ll lose my edge. It’s part of who I am, and it helps me live a life of dedication.
But I can certainly conserve my energy for more good work, and less anxious moments.
As always, it’s my call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley