Because I can:

• I take the stairs when it’s feasible.

• I park further away from the door.

• I notice details that I was too busy to see before. The blue of the sky. The changing leaves. Sometimes I get lost in the details and need to re-focus on the big picture. This makes my family nuts. That is okay.

• I remind myself to take the deep breath. Reset.

• I forgive myself for needing the nap or not accomplishing my to do list. To recognize that labeling something as important doesn’t make it so.

• I devour books. When I had to choose between Plan A—English teacher/professor and Plan B—medical school, I told myself that I could always read in my spare time. I couldn’t practice medicine in my spare time. Coming in handy now.

• I hug my family as often and as long as they will tolerate.

• I try to remember that my mom probably misses snuggling with me as much as I miss snuggling with my kids.

• I try to be an active listener. To remember that it’s more important that I hear the conversation\instead of interjecting. That it’s ok if the fact or opinion that lodged in my mind goes unshared, and I don’t need to ruminate on it.

I feel the change between I can and I should. Trying to embrace it.