Reflections

Originally Published September 28, 2021

One of the things I’ve been reflecting on this week is how I treat my physical body in contrast to what I recommend to others. There were so many days in my pediatric residency I would ask children, “how many cups of water did you drink?” or “What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?” I would brainstorm with families about interesting and creative ways to build in exercise or would talk to a teenager about identifying feelings of stress in their body. Yet, these would be the same days I’d spend 8 hours without eating or drinking or would continually find myself living in a state of anticipation and dread, sometimes for weeks at a time.

Over the past few months I’ve been thinking about why it has always felt okay, even normal, to push my body to it’s breaking point yet advocate for others to not do the same. The painful truths it brings up is that I don’t value myself, my own body, as much as I value others.

As someone in healthcare, I am deeply committed to my work and want to ensure the absolute best for everyone I work with. However, I am wondering how to shift my own thinking, my own cognitive distortions, to believe that there is enough space for both- to care deeply for others as well as myself.

Have you struggled with taking time and space to prioritize your own well-being? How has that shown up for you? Share your stories below! We are always interested in ways to better support each other.

With love and gratitude,

Anu & Laura