A warm, story-driven Thanksgiving reflection for physician moms—grounding breathwork, gratitude that doesn’t ignore pain, tiny rituals that build connection, and gentle ways to serve (and receive) without burning out. We borrow steadiness from Sir William Osler’s “equanimity,” remember Dr. King’s call to everyday service, and close with a 2-minute guided Thankful Pause you can do in a kitchen, car, or call room.
Listen for
- An ER story where a 45-second pause changed an entire shift
- “Gratitude as disciplined attention” (how to notice what’s right alongside what’s hard)
- Tammy’s Balcony: why 15 minutes of quiet can create productivity
- Micro-skills for the holiday table and the unit: truth-with-tact scripts, receiving compliments, and small acts of service
- A short guided practice you can replay any time you feel flooded
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
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Key takeaways
- You don’t have a time problem; you have a permission problem.
- Equanimity = a steady mind that allows compassion to do its job.
- Rest isn’t a prize you earn; it’s fuel that lets you show up well.
- Service is dignity, not performance—small, concrete acts count.
- Presence—not pace—is what your people will remember.
Practices mentioned (quick reference)
- The Thankful Pause: Breathe in 4, hold 4, out 6; whisper “Here”; set one intention for the next hour.
- Name–Notice–Nurture: Name the feeling → Notice it in the body → Nurture with one small action (longer exhale, text, small donation, news break).
- Truth with Tact (boundary script): “I respect how much you care about this. I want to give it space—can we table it for after the holiday? Today I’m savoring being together.”
- Doorway Breathing (on shift): Hand on doorframe, slow inhale, longer exhale, silently say “Here.”
- Three-B Check: Brain (clear?), Belly (fuel/water?), Bladder (bio break?) before tough conversations or next patient.
- Two-Sentence Note: “I appreciate you for _____. I’m grateful we’re in each other’s lives.”
