Desert Magnolia

Friends of mine who graduated before me and have therefore been in the practice trenches for awhile have often shared stories of how differently they are practicing than they thought they would practice. Everyone had preconceptions in school, developed business plans around those ideas, then entered the real world as practitioners and often changed, dramatically, their intended directions. Funny, but now that I am a seasoned 3 month practitioner (ha), I am realizing that what we thought we knew in school is nothing like real life, and that flexibility is key to growth and survival, moving forward. I thought, for example, that I would launch a mobile practice focusing on retirees, but as I've connected with a clinic and am feeling more at home there, I am not sure I want to be on the move all the time. Also, as I've begun to develop my greater mission of focusing on bridging Oriental Medicine and Western medicine, I am close (I think) to establishing a working relationship ...

"Mom, there's something special about him. He's kind, he's romantic, he's so smart. I think I'm falling for him," she said. He is all of these things and more, and over time my sweet baby girl and her love have explored life together, have move in, have tackled daily logistics and worked together to help develop each other as individuals. He comes from a lovely family from the East coast, a family with which we have grown close over the last few years. They're funny, they're intense, they're Italian, they're foodies, they're very family oriented. And, because of yesterday's events, they will be joined with ours as our offspring unite in marriage. Our baby girl is engaged. And we couldn't be happier. The look on her face as we Facetimed last night was incredible. She was overwhelmed. She was joyous. She was filled with joy and hope and love. And her new fiancee was grinning like a loon, happy that the elaborate schem...

It is done. I am practicing, and every single day I wake up and smile, wondering what new challenges will come my way. Because every single day, a new challenge presents itself. Tough cases, practice considerations, long and short term goal development, all represent constant challenges to every aspect of my being. I am a doctor now, in charge of supporting wellness and healing. I am a businesswoman, in charge of planning and growing a healthy, thriving practice. I am a Mom, still, and realize that though my offspring have long flown the nest, they will always need their mother, and I am always on standby should a moment arise where I can support or guide or simply listen to my babies. I am a wife, of almost 30 years now, and that role has evolved once more into a closer partnership, this time with the rigors of grad school replaced with the reality of practicing Oriental Medicine in a modern world. Each day I thank the universe for inspiring me to pursue my heart's drea...

So you know that feeling when you know things are about to go nuts and you are doing your best to prepare in every possible way you can to avoid unnecessary whiplash? I'm there. Again. (It's happened several times in recent years, but this time is more huge since I am now licensed and about to practice...) Anyway, I am shopping for malpractice insurance, talking with fellow practitioners (who have all been amazing and supportive and incredibly helpful, sharing their own stories), realizing I have very defined dreams simply because when something happens that doesn't sync up with said dreams, I get twitchy. But I'm told this is part of the process. Twitchy is a state of being at the moment, but so is hopeful and excited and honored..to be about to practice a 5000 year old, unbelievably cool medicine, in the modern world. I think I may need to practice what I preach. Time to meditate, center, be mindful...and enjoy this ramp up to professional life (again in a to...

I can't seem to relax without feeling guilty. What is wrong with me? I have just successfully completed an enormous endeavor, and the future looks bright. I am in an in between place now - where I am done, but I am not credentialed yet, which should happen soon. There is no real reason for me to go nuts planning, as I have a couple of ideas in the works that should be a good beginning. Maybe it's because when hubby leaves the house each morning, he says "Whatcha got goin on today? Gonna check on that (name the topic, usually something to do with money) sometime?" Maybe I feel defensive about not yet working (ie earning money). Maybe I have forgotten how to relax over the last five years of insane schedules, nonstop studying, etc. I need to figure this out. Otherwise, this time, this gift of in between? I will squander. And that just seems silly to me. Hugs, Stevie

I am beyond the gauntlet. I have, after five years of study and focus, completed my education and examination process for Oriental Medicine. Within a few weeks my license will arrive, and I will be set to practice this ancient, beautiful medicine. As I write this I am light, I am hopeful, I am absolutely stoked about the future. If there is anything I have learned from the process of becoming a physician, it is ...stick with it. Every single day, even if the volume of knowledge to be consumed/assimilated seems so daunting it induces catatonia at times. Just persist. And show up each and every day ready for what lies ahead. That is all. It may be time for a nap now. Huge hugs, Stevie

As I write this, I have successfully completed five out of the six exams required for licensure in Oriental Medicine. Soon I will be taking the final exam. Finally. I am terrified. I am exhilarated. I am resolute. And after that one is behind me? Shit gets real. Fast. But I like real, and fast doesn't scare me. Though, at this point, after months and months of intense study/review/exam/study/review/exam....which is a totally different pace, a totally different way of living, moving fast may take a little adjusting on my part. Just sayin'. Huge hugs, Stevie