When my 59-year-old physician father was given three months to live four months after being cured from a different cancer, I had a moment of reflection. I asked myself, “If I only had three months to live, would I be satisfied with the life I’m currently living?” The answer resonated deep within me – “HELL NO.”
My father passed away right on schedule, succumbing to the death sentence pronounced by doctors, unaware of the negative impact of extinguishing hope known as the nocebo effect. This experience marked one of the saddest moments of my life. Not only did he die too young, but he devoted his life to medicine, only to suffer from multiple sclerosis and pass away before truly living.
As an ambitious young woman with big dreams and a baby on the way, I refused to become a mirror image of my father. While delayed gratification is normal and beneficial, I had taken it to extreme levels. Since college, where I relentlessly pursued a career in medicine, I immersed myself in grueling hours of study and work, only to find myself deeply unhappy and unwell.
In my third year of residency, I contemplated quitting, but I pushed through, promising myself a review after two years of practice. Surprisingly, I found myself slightly happier two years later, leading me to continue. However, the news of my father’s terminal diagnosis forced a shift in perspective. It prompted a spontaneous life review, reevaluating my priorities, achievements, regrets, and future aspirations.
At 36, I made the bold decision to leave my medical practice, selling my homes to settle debts and moving to a small town in Northern California, embracing a life focused on creativity, motherhood, and activism. I no longer chase financial rewards but prioritize relationships, creativity, and purposeful living.
My journey led me to create a workshop called YOUR IMPACT & YOUR LEGACY: Review Your Past To Reprioritize Your Future, designed to guide individuals in reflecting on their lives and shaping a future aligned with their values. This workshop, co-taught with Harvard psychiatrist Jeffrey Rediger, MD, MDiv, aims to inspire intentional living and legacy-building for a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
I invite you to join us on November 23-24 for a transformative experience that will ignite introspection and goal-setting. Whether alone or with a partner, this workshop promises to be a stepping stone in your personal growth journey. Embrace the opportunity to review, reflect, and reprioritize your life, ensuring that you live with authenticity, purpose, and gratitude. Learn more and register today to embark on this life-changing journey with us.
