How many times have we heard that this past couple of years has been “unprecedented”?
It has been an immense time of change and transition for so many of us in so many ways. Many of us have experienced joy, pain, happiness, sorrow, gain, loss, confusion, clarity, and so much more more.
My reflection of the past couple of years is about the good stuff. We already have our fair share of the not so good stuff going most of the time. How we choose to see (perceive) and respond (react – emotionally, behaviorally, and in action) to the world and life’s stressors determines our overall experience.
But most importantly, what I learned about myself in quiet isolation was that I love myself. I was so busy taking care of others that I had not been doing enough to take care of me. Life had given me an opportunity and time to take care of myself, to get well, to stay well, to heal and to begin an endless journey of self-care, betterment and growth every day.
I looked for new things to learn and new accomplishments to celebrate that were not tied to what others felt and thought of me, but rather what I felt and thought of myself. It was time to take a moment and reflect on where I have been, where I am now and figure out where I want to be and who I want to spend my time with.
I also learned that I was overly scheduled. I greatly appreciated the down time to rest, rejuvenate and recharge (R&R&R). Yep, I have introverted character traits. I had almost forgotten this in the hustle and bustle of busy life. Some people actually thought I was an extrovert. Lol… nope! Maybe it’s both… “maybe it’s Maybelline”.
I give people my all because I want to give to those I love and care for. Caring for my family, friends and patients is my passion, my mission and my life’s purpose. Time alone during the pandemic allowed me the R&R&R I needed to give life my best effort. And it’s okay that my best effort looks and feels different each day. I give myself grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. When I can’t do it all, I’ve started telling myself it’s okay and I keep going, keep getting better.
My goal remains simple: to be the best version of me I can be. I now schedule time precious to be with myself because I am the only me in the world and the world needs a happy, healthy me.
Dr. Amita Sachdev, ND
