Safe. Calm. Capable
I am safe. I am calm. I can do this.
I learned that affirmation, not when I was a child and could’ve really used it, but last Friday at my youngest child’s Book Parade. If you are unfamiliar, Book Parades are ways for schools to allow kids to dress up in costumes on or around Halloween without officially sanctioning Halloween costumes. As long as it’s a character from a book, and you have a copy of the book, sure, you can wear that costume!
I haven’t been to the Book Parade for several years, probably because of work obligations. I loved seeing all the kids in their costumes of course, especially my own kid, but the principal’s message stuck with me. When she stood up onstage, she began with, “I am safe. I am calm. I can do this.”
A very full week
I am so thankful for that mantra, because it’s another very busy week for me. Today alone:
Is election day, so before getting to my 24-hour shift, I have to get to the polling place first thing in the morning.
I am launching my new app, creating content for it, and getting past my imposter syndrome of “the app not being enough.”
At the end of my 24-hour shift, I’m flying to New Jersey to teach ER physicians how to handle obstetrical emergencies. You may not have seen my previous post about obstetrical care and maternity wards closing (”Bridging the Gap” Oct. 17) but this has become a real concern across the country. As a result, we have “maternity care deserts” emerging.
Unfortunately, a lack of obstetrical care doesn’t stop people from getting pregnant or showing up at a hospital when they are in labor (whether or not that hospital is equipped for labor and delivery). So a new part of my job has become traveling around the country to train non-OB doctors how to handle maternity emergencies. It’s a scary situation. But. I remain passionate about my job and this mission, and “I am safe. I am calm. I can do this.”
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
That said, I’m looking forward to getting through this busy, busy week. In fact, I’m really looking forward to the holidays this year. We don’t have plans to travel, and I’m excited about that. During COVID, when I was forced to be at home, I realized that I really enjoy it.
This is part of why I’m so grateful for my job. When I switched to being a hospitalist, it meant that I had more time to spend with my family. I do work some 24-hour shifts, but those mean that the rest of the week, my children get to see me. I am able to make time for birthday celebrations, and Book Parades, and doctors’ appointments, and take care of my family and myself.
And that, to me, is worth all of the hoops I have to jump through. I am safe. I am calm. I can do this. I am starting to understand that and believe it.
