 I definitely have a few practice members who think that my life is peachy. They make assumptions that I have the perfect family, that it's easy to stay healthy, or that being a wellness practitioner doesn't take hard work. At least, this is what I feel like they're assuming when they look at me and laugh when I tell them that I understand their pain. Some of them really do laugh. Most of them understand that I am also another Bozo on the bus trying to figure out this thing called life.🤡 There are some days when it takes everything I've got to show up at the office and give great care. I don't feel good, I'm tired, I didn't sleep well, my kid hates me, my jeans don't fit, I didn't have enough coffee. Whatever the reason is, those are the days when I have to find the extra fuel in my tank and put my stuff aside, independent of how I'm feeling in that moment, and Serve for the sake of service. It can be the hardest thing to do. 😨 As I engage in my daily activities, whether it's starting my day, starting a shift, or meeting with a patient that challenges me, I often find that the interaction takes on a life of its own. Regardless of how I may feel about it beforehand - whether I dread it, look forward to it, or feel neutral - the interaction has its own course and rhythm, beginning, middle, and end. To make this dance smoother, I make sure to prioritize my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This includes eating well, making time for exercise, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, avoiding toxic people and excessive sugar, surrounding myself with supportive individuals, and taking the time to listen to constructive criticism while letting go of the rest. I also make sure to move my body for at least 10 minutes every hour I spend sitting at a computer. 💪 When I follow these habits consistently, even on days when I don't feel my best, serving my patients becomes easier. It's important to find a balance between taking a self-care day when needed and simply not being in the right state of mind to provide quality care. Negative emotions can be contagious, just as positive emotions can be. It's essential that I bring my best self to each interaction with my patients, setting aside my own issues and making space for their needs and experiences. I try with all my might, every day that I have to go to the office, to take my stuff, my story, and my challenges and put them on hold for the time that I have committed to serving my people. I reserve space for their stuff and their challenges and their stories. Every once in a while, I confuse the lines- it happens. 🥺 People will come into the office and ask me how I'm doing, and I will feel the tears well up. Even though I had no intention to show them, they will show themselves, and the hugs start. The exchange starts and it's not an exchange that I intended for, but it does happen from time to time. I find that the more I prepare on the days that I have the space to by taking care of body, mind, and spirit, the less those moments come while I'm at my office to serve because that's what I'm doing there. I'm there to serve. I'm not there to be listened to or taken care of. I'm there to listen and take care of. 💗 It's a healthy balance between letting your people get to know who you are and how beautiful your heart is, and giving them a blank slate to walk into to express and process whatever they need in that moment. Find the balance. It will take you and your practice members so far for so many years to come. Find more tips to help you find your balance in our Facebook Group Watch the video below to hear about the StaffLESS System from our amazing student of the month! 👇🏼  Click here to watch a replay of an interview with Dr. Shona - our student of the month.
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