“Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.”
―Ruth E. Renkel

It is incredible to look back at your life and recognize the critical moments that led you to become the unique human being you are today.  Many people, places, and things needed to come together ...

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

I stumbled upon the Financial Independence Retirement Early (FIRE) movement when I was extremely frustrated with medicine.  Retirement seemed like the best solution for my physician burnout.  I’m not sure I completely understo...

Everything you want is on the other side of something you don’t want to feel

Pop culture would have you believe that feeling your feelings is commonplace.  When I was going through my list of possible songs to link to this post, it was clear that people like to talk about (and sing about) th...

“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically—to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.”
―Stephen Covey 

Work-life balance has become increasingly popular over ...

 People pleasers are liars.  

The first time I heard that quote, I was a bit shocked.  As a native New Yorker, I have a rather direct manner of speaking, and it feels more natural to just “say it like it is.” My words are often a little too blunt.  Despite my direct nature, the word lia...

“The word ‘should’ is an enemy of growth and a thief of joy.”
―Kevin Ngo 

The first time I heard the phrase “shoulding all over yourself,” I laughed.  As a gastroenterologist, I have a particular affinity for poop jokes.  It might not be obvious when you read the phrase, but say it out l...

“The Hospital Will Not Love You Back.”

–Vagabond MD 

During a physician meeting, one of my partners began talking about physician satisfaction.  He said it in a very matter-of-fact way.  He spoke about how our current way of doing things affected physician satisfaction.  As he spoke, I beg...

“We’re afraid that the feeling of joy won’t last, or that the other shoe is going to drop. We think, ‘I’m feeling good, this can’t be right; something bad is going to happen.’” 

—Brené Brown

Foreboding Joy. I didn’t make it up. I had never even heard of foreboding joy until I read Dar...

“If you have integrity, nothing else matters. 

If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”

–Harvey Mackay

Here’s something I never thought I’d say: I attended a conference for entrepreneurs. Over the years, I’ve been to countless medical conferences where the atmosphere is f...

“Discomfort is the currency of your dreams.”

--Brooke Castillo

According to Google, comfort is a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint.  Just reading that makes me feel more relaxed.  Comfort is quiet, warm, and cozy.  It is security and the sense that everything ...

“Learning to accept compliments gracefully is a vital part of learning to love yourself.”
―Unknown 

Early in my coaching journey, I complimented my physician coach on an enlightening session.  She responded, “I accept your compliment with gratitude.” I raised a curious eyebrow, “Huh?” Sh...

“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.” 

—Brené Brown

In her book, I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t), Brené Brown takes the time to distinguish the difference between guilt and shame.  Guilt is: “I did something bad.” Shame is: “I am bad.” The...