Everyone has heard the song, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.” Those teeth certainly are helpful when you are a six-year-old and you are trying to learn to whistle. Our wishes and dreams expand to greater heights as we age and as we develop a mission or a plan. My grandson is eight years old tonight, and we will talk with him about his hopes and goals for the coming year. These moments give children a glance at their own dreams and how they can prepare. Perhaps the most significant desire that we confront as we become adults is to choose a career. This goal is far different than being blindfolded and trying to hit a pinata with a stick.
More than 2,000 years ago Senaca{4BC-65AD) said;” Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the correct wind.” This is also true about becoming an excellent medical or nursing professional. It requires time, contemplation, a burning desire and much planning to attain the goal of becoming a PA or NP. Your life is about to go topsy-turvy and all of your other plans and dreams must go on hold. This is the price of that decision; my favorite adage is “We pay a price to gain a prize.”
As we approach the holidays, I am contemplating a large piece of driftwood for the mantel over our fireplace. Perhaps, the genesis of this thought is because I practiced in surgery and emergency medicine for forty-seven years and I have undergone a transformation due to time, experiences, countless hours of being on call. being president of state and national professional associations, all the while trying to be a loving husband and a caring and affirming father. I have sustained emotional injuries due to professional jealousy, criticism, my weekly number of working hours, and trying to meet my personal expectations. Sound familiar? As the Japanese proverb says, “When you have finished 95% of your journey, you are halfway there.”
I don’t want to sound as if I have been vaccinated with a phonograph needle (they still exist for purists} so I will elaborate on my driftwood. Driftwood carries a unique beauty and a story of transformation, reflecting the journey it has taken through water and time. Its significance often resonates with themes of resilience, renewal and growth. Driftwood can be a byproduct of a ship that has sunk in a storm or battle, or from a home that has sustained a catastrophe during a storm or hurricane; trees, such as oak, pine, or cedar, can fall into the sea during a tsunami. All then have been unceremoniously washed by salt water, tossed by tremendous currents and have submitted to the ruthless movement of the tide. Eventually, driftwood floats on the waves to a shoreline, left on a beach or cove and dried by the sun. The casual observer notices its weathered appearance, smooth surfaces, various shades of color, all which adds to its value. Driftwood is used in art, furniture, and home décor, symbolizing a connection to nature and the passage of time.
During its thousands of miles of journey, there is a path of change and adaptation. It has been formed by its challenges, collisions and the force of the tides. This represents not only the resilience of nature, but it echoes the human experience of every PA or NP in overcoming adversity. Yes, it is a prototype of what we have proudly endured and overcome to enable us to wear our official designation. When you believe this, you will join your professional state and national organization and engage in the battle to preserve our hard-won place in the health care field.
What does driftwood symbolize?
In the native American cultures, it represents endurance and survival and signifies the ability to adapt to many challenges. In the Celtic tradition, it embodies wisdom. Celtic folklore associates it with ancient spirits and a connection to nature which invites balance in our lives. Life-work balance: health care professionals need this acutely. In the Japanese culture, driftwood, or moku, symbolizes impermanence. It encapsulates the awesomeness of life’s fleeting moments, serving as a remembrance to appreciate the present.
To complete the thought, these all serve as a powerful metaphor of our personal growth. Resilience, like driftwood, which will survive incomprehensible conditions. We can emerge stronger from life’s obstacles, from patient encounters, from delegated responsibilities, and from hospital upheavals and changes of management. Remember when a new entity assumes ownership of an institution, malpractice insurance and its limitations also change. All of these scenarios help us to keep our eye on the ball. Driftwood is a personal invitation to cause us to let go. We will need to let go of anger, resentment, lack of appreciation, and the inequity of regional salaries. Our goal is to “do no harm” and to give our very best to our patients. When we ascertain the beauty of driftwood, we once again contemplate its connection to nature. This encourages mindfulness, which was not a part of our vocabulary as ancient dinosaurs. Knowledge of these things will enable you to experience the journey of transformation and embrace the wisdom it offers.
In conclusion, my colleagues, I desire you to appreciate what it required to attain your credentials and I hope that you never lose pride in what you have accomplished. This is my holiday present to you, to encourage you to reflect on your journey and your accomplishments, the joy of having patients appreciate your wisdom and concern, your talents and your professionalism. And most importantly that you safeguard your driftwood masterpiece. Each is different and unique to you. Do not let a bad day, a sleepless night, or an administrative argument cause you to make a medical error. Those of us who have had many years of practice under our belts are aware that if you practice medicine, you will be guilty of making an error. Therefore, protect your accomplishment, and cause your driftwood to survive and obtain a personal liability insurance policy, a.k.a. malpractice insurance, from an AA Best rated Superior company, this is called obtaining security. Happy Holidays. Bob and CM&F.
Written For CM&F By: Robert M. Blumm, PA, DFAAPA, PA-C Emeritus
CM&F Clinical Advisor
