Thrive

Thrive

We are a result of the unique experiences, trials, and tribulations that we have lived through. Nobody escapes unscathed. Life. The act of living is rife with the possibility of tragedy. No one truly knows what economic, medical, or personal strife awaits us. Even if we escape the worst of what life has to offer, the fear itself can be overbearing. Yet, we try so hard to not just surviver but thrive. We protect our health, visit the doctor, and exercise regularly. We manage our finances, pursue financial independence, and build businesses and careers.

Then we hold on tightly to our loved ones. As tight as we dare without squishing them. And we dive in to the messy ebb and flow of the turbulent ocean of life.

The tragedies we face do not define us. The process of overcoming them, the manner in which we thrive, just might.

Learning Disability

I was born with a learning disability. While the rest of my friends were learning how to read, I was stuck drawing with crayons in a coloring book. My main goal was to try to keep within the lines. My dreams of being a doctor (which I already had at that age) seemed so distant and unobtainable.

Extensive testing showed that I was intelligent enough, I just had a learning disability. My parents found me a tutor, and over years I not only caught up to my peers, I was able to move forward and thrive.

I might not be the most intelligent or most able, but this early success (because of the smart decisions of my parents and dedicated work of a tutor) would forever change the way I interpreted challenge.

My Father’s Death

I was eight years old when my father died. I remember him kissing me goodnight the evening before, and then waking up to a new world the next day. By the afternoon, he was essentially gone. This defining moment in my life was completely out of my control. It said nothing of my worthiness or abilities.

It was just something that happened to me.

I would never have wished this event on anyone. Yet, it is a large part of why I was able to thrive. I embraced my father’s profession and became a physician likely because of my early loss. Then I studied end of life care, volunteered in hospice, and now am a hospice physician because of my early exposure to death and dying.

I have developed a sensitivity to human loss that I am proud of. It has helped me thrive.

Religion

I do not consider myself a religious person. Yet, I grew up in a town where I was in the minority when it comes to faith. We might have all looked the same, but I was quickly marked as different.

The prejudice I faced was minor. Mostly teasing and isolation. I remember my brother got in a few fist fights.

But it forever changed the way I look at the differences between human beings. It created, in me, the interest in embracing difference. Different religions. Different cultures. A world of communities have opened up to me introducing me to varied foods, dance, and culture.

It has helped me thrive.

Final Thoughts

I see my life as magical. The tragedies, hardships, and difficulties I have faced have been integral in forming me into who I am. I could no more disavow them then I could the image of myself reflected in the mirror.

I guess I would do it all over again. Even with all the ups and downs.