Just saying “Yes” to all that’s happening in my life may sound inspiring, but can also be quite utterly overwhelming. I was recently reminded about how I am such a “Yes Girl”. Indeed, it is almost addictive to be a high-achiever, but I may end up spreading myself too thin in the process. I know that burnout can happen when I over-tap into my energy reserves without replenishing them. Perhaps these impulsive “Yeses” can be common among those driven by performance addiction, like myself, often stemming from a lack of a stable self-identity or being entangled in the emotional aspects of life. Learning to say “No” takes practice even if there’s often a concern for missed opportunities or for “not doing enough”.

So, how could I overcome these feelings of “not doing enough”? There are always more patients to help, more students to mentor, more lessons to learn, more service to provide, more time to volunteer for projects, and more, and more… The point is, there will always be more to do if I question myself whether I’m doing enough or how I could be better, rather than simply reflecting on how I FEEL about where I AM. Finding a balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance is key. Reflecting on my current state of mind and acknowledging my feelings of what I have accomplished are essential for personal growth too. It's okay to strive for improvement while also appreciating the progress I have made, before racing towards the next goal.

Surely, a consistent meditation practice has the potential to provide a gateway to a dimension within myself that is free from anxiety, worries, goals and the stress of deadlines. It can foster a sense of inner calm and resilience. Moving forward, I vow to stay committed to a mindfulness practice, like meditation, in order to be more present with my thoughts and recenter myself. Meditation can serve as one of the greatest remedies to chronic stress or aka distress. Thus, this could lead me back to MYSELF and the sharing of what I am most passionate about: breathing, learning, teaching and honoring healthful-living.

At the end of the day, I strive to continue being a patient advocate in my line of work and enhancing the quality of life of individuals I encounter, beyond my line of work. As I reflect on my life, self-advocacy is crucial for my growth and well-being too. Taking responsibility for my own needs and actively working towards enhancing my quality of life can lead to positive changes and a more fulfilling life journey. How may I assist you on your path?

Finally, let us all be reminded by Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s words of wisdom on how we should live our lives to the fullest:
“Good health is about being able to fully enjoy the time we do have. It is about being as functional as possible throughout our entire lives and avoiding crippling, painful and lengthy battles with disease. There are many better ways to die, and to live.”
In celebration of his 90th birthday on 03/14/24, I would like to share about his incredible legacy and his work through this recent interview by Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute titled “Why is Nutrition Not Taught or Respected in the Medical System”:
https://youtu.be/ezzIIJaxYEY?si=tgABQhNJS1v49BKl