It’s time to fess up….
There were times that I didn’t have the absolute answers to patients’ questions, but I offered “filler” responses to sound like I knew what I talking about. In other instances, I didn’t always use my best judgement when treating patients, which resulted in longer and more frequent treatment sessions. On several occasions, I took treatment short cuts because of my own lack of drive, and during other moments, I wasn’t being absolutely attentive and present, breaking concentration and the quality of service I was providing.
There were times when my cockiness and arrogance got the best of me, being quick to judge and short to listen. My lack of empathy and humility spoiled relationships and burned bridges. And to top of it all, my stupidity and inexperience added to frustrating delays, difficulties, and disasters.
Reflecting back, I know that was messed up … actually, I was messed up. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit it, but this is my confession ….
Luckily, it’s a breathe of fresh air knowing that there is opportunity for change, and hopefulness for improvements. There is opportunity to move forward and not remain the same as you are today. There is hope that maturity does happen and growth does exist.
“Every Saint Has A Past And Every Sinner Has A Future. ”
Throughout the years, with some self assessing and self cultivating, I have started seeing life with a new set of lens. I started transforming into a different person, with a different perspective, and a new appreciation. With intentionality, consistency, and willingness to learn, wanting to be better, and accepting change, I was incrementally morphing into a new being influenced by a conglomeration of positive individuals. I was in the process of becoming …. a better individual, a better clinician, a better listener, a better friend, a better father, a better husband, a better mentor, and a better vessel to share hope.
This is a glimpse into my journey, and I know that you are traveling on yours too. Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone needs to get somewhere. I don’t know where on the map you are currently, or what terrain you’re plowing through, but we all have to take the journey.
You can travel it alone, but what fun is that? You can travel with folks that cannibalize your self existence and pull you down into the trenches, but why in the world would you want that? Or you can travel knowing that others are on similar journeys themselves willing to share their insights, their knowledge, and their wisdom. Why not have a tour guide be by your side as you carve out the path to your own destination?
This is the purpose of these narratives … to act as a platform to help others as they look for ways to improve themselves and forge a trajectory of life that far exceeds anything they have ever imagined; so in turn, they can return the blessing and help others starting on their journeys, or give a helpful hand to those that are stuck somewhere in their existing one.
I hope this platform can add value to your lives; as we are all in the process of becoming ….
Dr. Joe Jaime, DC, DACBSP®, ATC, CSCS®, FRC®ms, CES