There are plenty of rotten aspects to being in residency while being pregnant; let's just say it's not a combination I would recommend to anyone wishing for life balance or sanity. However, as I am just in the thick of my toughest rotation of residency, which is perfectly aligned with the toughest part of being pregnant, I have been trying hard to keep perspective and focus on the silver linings. This pregnancy has been all about remembering my priorities, and only bothering with the important things. This means that I remind myself everyday that the only things that really matter are to get my job done (as efficiently as possible so that I can get home) and to spend time with my family. Fortunately, the tiniest of my family members comes along everywhere I go, so the two of us get lots of little moments to share experiences. Every time Roo jumps on my bladder or tries to push out my belly button, I think, "hi little buddy, I know you are in there!" while I push back on the little parts that stick out and make me look lop-sided. Time with the little one isn't hard to come by these days, but unfortunately I can't carry Adelaide with me all the time. So these last few months I have been learning that it's impossible to fit in all of the things I wish for, and I have to prioritize the big ones. Time with Adelaide is essential. And, at least occasionally, thanking my husband for holding down the fort and being full-time Dad / housekeeper / cook / savior -- this also is essential. All the rest -- just details. If the dishes don't get done, or I miss my exercise time, or I don't do any of the reading I had planne
d, well, there's always next year for those things. I am learning that working 80-hours per week and having a family is enough! This is a good lesson, because it makes me so thankful when I make it to yoga, cook a healthy meal, talk to a friend, or when I get caught up on my reading. These things don't happen all the time anymore, and almost never happen simultaneously. But that's okay. For a short while longer, life is all about getting through the work, making the most of moments at home, and absolutely cherishing the rest. I am learning a lot in residency; one extracurricular lesson has come from being forced to challenge and define my priorities, which is a good lesson, one that I hope I remember after life lightens up on me.
There are plenty of rotten aspects to being in residency while being pregnant; let's just say it's not a combination I would recommend to anyone wishing for life balance or sanity. However, as I am just in the thick of my toughest rotation of residency, which is perfectly aligned with the toughest part of being pregnant, I have been trying hard to keep perspective and focus on the silver linings. This pregnancy has been all about remembering my priorities, and only bothering with the important things. This means that I remind myself everyday that the only things that really matter are to get my job done (as efficiently as possible so that I can get home) and to spend time with my family. Fortunately, the tiniest of my family members comes along everywhere I go, so the two of us get lots of little moments to share experiences. Every time Roo jumps on my bladder or tries to push out my belly button, I think, "hi little buddy, I know you are in there!" while I push back on the little parts that stick out and make me look lop-sided. Time with the little one isn't hard to come by these days, but unfortunately I can't carry Adelaide with me all the time. So these last few months I have been learning that it's impossible to fit in all of the things I wish for, and I have to prioritize the big ones. Time with Adelaide is essential. And, at least occasionally, thanking my husband for holding down the fort and being full-time Dad / housekeeper / cook / savior -- this also is essential. All the rest -- just details. If the dishes don't get done, or I miss my exercise time, or I don't do any of the reading I had planne
d, well, there's always next year for those things. I am learning that working 80-hours per week and having a family is enough! This is a good lesson, because it makes me so thankful when I make it to yoga, cook a healthy meal, talk to a friend, or when I get caught up on my reading. These things don't happen all the time anymore, and almost never happen simultaneously. But that's okay. For a short while longer, life is all about getting through the work, making the most of moments at home, and absolutely cherishing the rest. I am learning a lot in residency; one extracurricular lesson has come from being forced to challenge and define my priorities, which is a good lesson, one that I hope I remember after life lightens up on me.
1 comment:
You're doing a great job of staying focused on your priorities. Are you still sure that time doesn't exist?!
By the way, Braude and I love that photo of Ada and her trekking poles.
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