Caring for the Long Haul

Alaska Airlines has “Caring for the Long Haul” written on the paper cups they serve drinks in.

Their focus is sustainability.

“Caring for the long haul” is also good advice for us as humans, parents, children of aging parents, and spouses. It is an especially useful mantra for physicians.

What does “caring for the long haul “look like?

It looks like managing your energy well.

Not resisting reality.

Staying out of urgency, negativity, and catastrophizing.

It looks like not making decisions from fear.

Not letting self-doubt color your days.

It looks like creating a life roomy enough to live in.

A life that honors diastole - the rest phase of the heart.

So your heart can fill fully and nourish the rest of your body “well”.

“Caring for the Long Haul” looks like focusing on the sustainability of your medical practice, your parenting practices, and your mind, body and spirit.

It looks like practicing mindfulness, living with intention, and working with a coach.

What do you want to change to start caring for yourself for the haul?