Self-Love

A few weeks ago, I had an epiphany. But first, I had a meltdown. That’s when I realized I was pushing myself in a way that I would never do to anyone else. You see, my son had been sick, I’d been sick, and other family members needed care. So I cared for everyone and...

The Visit Includes The Charting

I had a colleague once, when I was working at a residency, who gave what I thought was great advice to the residents with regard to the EMR: “Write a crappy note now, or a crappier note later.” Now, I know this is not what you want to hear, but truthfully, is your...

Not My Business

I’ve noticed lately that a lot of people are in my business—and I don’t like it. I think: They need to mind their own business. So now who’s business am I in? Right—their business. Byron Katie says there are only three kinds of business: your business, my business,...

Perfection Is Impossible

Perfectionism is not only an impossibility, it’s the height of arrogance. Why? Because perfectionists (like me, although I like to think of myself as a “recovering perfectionist” these days) hold themselves to a different standard. Here’s what a perfectionist is...

Self-Esteem II

Last week I wrote about self-esteem and a reader reminded me that self-esteem comes from self-love. The only way we can think well of ourselves is if we actually have love for ourselves as well as others. Out of the feeling of self-acceptance comes the good decision...