What Season of Life Are You In?

Today, we are celebrating Independence Day in the US. This time of year, I generally think about freedom and what it means to me.

There is still much inequality in the world impacting people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, etc. While we have made much progress, we still have a long way to go.

One of my daily practices is to spend some time identifying 3 things that I'm grateful for. In reviewing my gratitude lists I'm reminded of the saying, "to whom much is given, much is required."

So as we've passed the mid-year mark for 2021, I've decided to focus on how I can be a blessing to others across all areas of my life - in my family for the elder and younger generations; at my place of employment for my team members, clients and co-workers; in my communities both far and near; and for the well-being of groups I am passionate about advocating for - children and physicians.

The past year has been challenging for many of us. Personally, there have been multiple painful losses of loved ones, most recently my beloved brother...the closest loss I've had in my life thus far.

As I think about our relationship and the ways in which he showed up in the world, I have become aware of several important reminders:
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• Family is priceless - My brother loved his children unconditionally. I believe his strongest identity was that of father. When life feels busy, it's easy to lose touch with family and not connect as often as we'd like, always thinking we have more time. I am reminded that none of us knows the moment that the last grain of sand will fall from our hour glass. So, when someone crosses your mind, reach out. It can be as simple as a text, email or call saying "You crossed my mind today".
• Be present - In his presence we always had his undivided attention. He was curious and wanted to know about you and your life. He was interested in the things that mattered to you. Quality time is defined by the degree of presence you bring to your interactions at work and at home. Pause when your loved one is speaking and allow your attention to be focused on them.
• Laugh often - When asked what we remember most about my brother, the first word from everyone was "funny". My brother was lovingly dubbed as the amateur standup comedian in our family. He had a sly grin and often and was known for his quick wit and pranks. He made us laugh. When things were too serious he could easily bring the much needed levity to offer some relief. Even from his hospital bed he found a way to bring laughter to the hospital staff and our family. It's quite a gift. When is the last time you laughed? Find things that make you laugh. It really is the best medicine.
• Love hard - My brother was a master in the art of relationships. While he didn't do it perfectly, he had a knack for being social and loving on all of his friends and family. He stayed in touch and reached out to people when he was thinking of them. It mattered to him. He wasn't afraid to love and to state his love out loud. Life is short. Let people know how much you love them. And don't forget to include yourself.
• Live fully - Although I sometimes disagreed with his choices (especially as it related to food and beverages), he owned the fact that he was in charge of his life. He exercised the freedom to live life on his terms in a way that made sense to him without intentionally causing harm. I want to live my life unapologetically. Knowing that when it's my time to transition from this human existence that I lived my life to the fullest.

Seasons of life. I've been in the season of loss for longer than I'm comfortable and yet, the life events offered have helped me to become clearer on the life I truly want to be living. It's made me appreciate the things that I sometimes take for granted. And so now I get to exercise my freedom to live life on my terms. I have the option to create the life I want to be living by summoning the courage to make the changes necessary to make it happen. I am taking responsibility for the life I have and the life I want to  live. And it includes learning how to be more of a blessing in the lives of others.

How about you? What season are you in? What's stopping you from exercising your own personal freedom and living the life you truly want to be living?

Send me a quick note to let me know, michelle@drmichellebailey.com.