It’s late. I’m super tired. I’ve worked two Sundays in a row and I’m about to work another one tomorrow.
but…
At the beginning of this year I decided that I was time for me to start showing up for the people I care about.
Medicine, especially if you work in a poorly resourced system, can consume your life. The hours are terrible, you’re tired all the time, and balancing work, career, life and all sorts of things can become difficult. This means we have to be deliberate about balancing.
When it comes to living a balanced medical life, I am no where near perfect, in fact, I have a lot more to learn. It all takes baby steps and a lot of planning.
Today, I decided I wanted to show up for friends who mean the world to me, the thought of getting dressed and wearing makeup already made me tired. I reminded myself that it only takes a little to eventually make a lot. Meaning, I had slowly started not answering messages, not going out and not showing up which eventually led to self isolation.
So I shut up and showed up.
Every single time I’ve decided to rearrange my work hours, make plans on a free day or take a drive i’ve never regretted it and have only strengthen my relationships because of it.
How do you show up?
Samantha C. Johnson


Samantha C. Johnson The Layman’s Doctor: Bringing Medicine Home with articles, podcasts and videos all aimed at making medicine more accessible to all.
Regardless of how terrible everything is, I do one thing that makes me happy. As terrible as everything is, that one moment of good resonates. Balance is the only way to live a fulfilled life. Finding it is a big ass pain, but the struggle to do so is what makes everything work it <3
You are absolutely right! I’m going to try this.
You are absolutely right! I’m going to try this.