Reflecting on 2021
The first days of the New Year have been a time of personal reflection for me for several years. Taking some quiet time to look back and see what I’ve learned, evaluating my personal failings and successes, and answering some deeply personal questions helps me to set a higher target for myself in the coming year. One of my traditions during this time is to re-read one of my favorite authors, Henry David Thoreau, the author of Walden. One of his essays titled “Life Without Principle” has always been an inspiration to me. One sentence really stuck out for me when reading it again this year.
“We should treat our minds, that is, ourselves, as innocent and ingenuous children, whose guardians we are, and be careful what objects and what subjects we thrust on their attention.”
For me this passage speaks to the fact that I have the choice, and I daresay, the obligation to make conscious choices about the thoughts I entertain throughout each day. For me, this has become a practice, which over time, I’ve learned is really a skill which can be developed with intention and attention. A little progress in developing this skill goes a long way, and I can say without a doubt that for me it is the basis for my health, wellbeing and happiness.
There were lots of things that happened in 2021 to get upset about, but understanding that they only held the power to do so in my thinking about them was a great help in navigating the obstacles put up by external events and circumstances. I’ve shared in a previous newsletter that I lost several people dear to me this year, but the blessing is that I see that life has always been uncertain, and how important it is to not take it for granted.
This fills me with gratitude when I think about it. I’m so grateful for all of you who have entrusted me with your healthcare, and given me the opportunity to be able to do what I’m passionate about. The resilience and ability to heal I’ve witnessed in all of you is a constant source of inspiration. I’m also grateful for those on our team at Fidalgo Island Health Center for their participation in our vision of health and wellbeing for our community. I was sorry to see Nancy Palmer and Maddie Knutson decide to leave, but fully support their choice to move on. Thanks to both of you for all your help and support. I’m also grateful for the ongoing support of Dr. Peter O’Dwyer, and Nancy Boyd who helped keep the clinic running smoothly. I’m also grateful that Jaclyn Schlindwein has joined our practice to provide acupuncture to our patients.
Finally, I’m grateful to Dr. Allan Phillips for his ongoing development and research in NIS despite the ongoing lockdown of New Zealand. His dedication and hard work made it possible to share his groundbreaking discoveries in NIS with you and with many other doctors across the United States at a time when they were desperately needed to address the health challenges posed by the pandemic.
I am looking forward to 2022 as a time of healing not only for our community, but for our country and the rest of the world. Together we can make this a reality, and it all starts in our thinking!
