An exercise in reflection

It seems like only yesterday I wrote my first reflective piece for this selective.

Fast forward a few weeks and here I am, writing my last! As a medical trainee, much of what I do is entrenched in a clinical context. Little of my day-to-day communication is an exercise in reflection.

My reflections these past few weeks have been both enriching and rewarding. They’ve helped me disconnect from the usual hustle and bustle of being a healthcare provider and instead, step back to re-evaluate my life with calm. I can describe my reflections best as a venture into mindfulness meditation: I’m more acutely aware of my daily activities and am able to better tease out the little things which make me frustrated, upset, content, or otherwise.

I hope this is a skill I can continue to cultivate as I move forward in my career. I’m certain it will be an asset, which can help me better recognize and regulate my own emotions amidst the inevitable chaos that will be residency at times. I’m thankful for all the new medical knowledge I’ve accrued over the past few weeks. Even more so, I’m grateful for developing a crucial new life skill.

Alice signing out!