President's Column | November 2022

Dec 7, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

This time of year, excitement and gratitude permeate the air like no other time of the year. The anticipation of spending time with family and friends, a table full of all your favorite holiday foods, a break from clinic, and shopping (we can’t forget shopping) gives us extra reasons to smile and helps brighten the dreary end of year weather. Along with this, a surge of gratitude makes its way into our hearts and minds. This time of year prompts us to stop and take stock of all the blessings we take for granted in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Do you remember the feeling of excitement the night before Christmas as a child? The anticipation of something you wanted all year made it impossible to sleep. Even the days and weeks leading up to it brought a sense of excitement that fueled your days. Why do I ask? As I write this, I have that “night before Christmas” childhood excitement and SDPA Miami is the gift with the big red bow.

This meeting has been in my sight since the day I was named President-Elect of the board of directors in 2021. I knew Miami would be my first meeting as our organization’s leader and with my “extra” personality I was determined to make it memorable. Ideas flooded my mind, and a vision board was created (can you tell I’m type A?). That vision board has since been brought to life by the work of an amazing team of committee leaders, staff and meeting planners. No detail has been left undone and we are on track to have the event I have dreamt about for a year and a half.

Though coincidental that SDPA Miami is the week before Thanksgiving, it seems well timed with my feelings of deep gratitude that have me teary eyed the last few weeks. I realize how blessed I am to be in this position and to have the support of our leaders, staff, members and industry. All of you contribute to the vision and mission of our organization

I am grateful for the remarkably dedicated leaders who volunteer to carry out the mission of SDPA and represent our profession. The hours put into their roles on top of their clinic and family responsibilities often lead to a never-ending juggling act that can drain even the best multi-tasker. I am wholeheartedly grateful that all SDPA volunteers continue to take on the challenge. In a time of transition, our staff have gone above and beyond their typical duties to ensure our organization not only survives but thrives. They have worked tirelessly to make SDPA Miami possible. This meeting marks historic attendance with close to 900 attendees. I am honored that as a member, you choose SDPA for your educational needs. There are numerous educational opportunities and your trust in us to provide you with the content and skills you need to further your career is not lost on me. Likewise, our industry partners who continue to support our organization and profession by investing in our education and professional development are appreciated beyond measure.

Not to be forgotten, I must mention my undying thankfulness for my husband and sons who sacrifice so much so that I can live out my dreams and reach for my goals. Their support and pride in me keep me going when my roles and responsibilities bring stress and doubt. I would be nothing without them.

Personally, this last year has taught me how beneficial it is to practice gratitude. I begin each morning journaling and jotting down 3-5 things I am grateful for that day. Some days the list doesn’t change from the day before. Some days the list is the BIG things. Some days the list consists of trivial small things. Regardless, it helps me begin the day positively, has helped manage my stress and anxiety, and lead me to be more optimistic. This month, I challenge you all to stop and acknowledge the things you are grateful for. Whether you journal, pray or simply make a mental note before bed, I bet you’ll find it is more beneficial than you think.

Lately, my gratitude list includes the people mentioned above. Your list likely varies greatly from mine. However, somewhere down the list we likely share gratitude for our profession. And, whether we think of it or not, we likely make it onto others’ lists. May we never take for granted the ability to wake up and serve those who count on us and consider us a blessing.

 

Lauren Miller, MPAS, PA-C

President, SDPA Board of Directors