It strikes me that a mindful coach is like a life doula.

Someone who helps you live with intention, presence, and grace.

And pass through life’s challenging moments with more ease.

Painful moments and painful seasons are inevitable in all our lives.

They are part of being human.

What is in our control is how we show up for the painful moments.

Burnout is epidemic. Within and outside of medicine.

The pandemic has added to it.

Our cultural thoughts on having and doing more and striving and serving contribute.

Our broken systems of healthcare, mental healthcare, education, and family support also contribute.

Asking yourself how you want to show up can be a very helpful tool when you are struggling.

It is helpful whether the road is just a little bumpy or filled with potholes.

May seem like a funny question.

And so so useful when you are frustrated and angry with someone or something.

When you listen to your heart and trust yourself you discover a whole new approach to life.

One where you live rather than worry.

Where you take good care of you.

And show yourself kindness, compassion and even love.

Labor can be work, stress, worry, and struggle.

If there wasn’t enough labor in life already,

we create more labor with heavy thoughts and emotional and physical clutter.

The “shoulds” add immensely to our life labor.

Many are not feeling ok right now.

So much pain and hardship in the practice of medicine right now.

Sending love and compassion to each and every one of my colleagues in medicine.

The birthdays of those you love are a moment to pause and be present and reflect and appreciate.

And as I sat down to do just this, I was inspired by the fact that The Mindful Healers Podcast episode released this week is called “Allowing Joy.”

Some of us have to work at allowing joy, my husband is an expert at it. He does it effortlessly.

“Do not ask your children

to strive for extraordinary lives.

Such striving may seem admirable,

but it is the way of foolishness.

Help them instead to find the wonder

and the marvel of an ordinary life.

A long-time client shared a mantra she has been practicing -- “may I find my path.”

What a kind way to explore your next steps.

Realizing that there is no urgency.

Allowing and giving yourself permission to explore

That is the first step.