President's Column | April 2023

Apr 21, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

“April showers bring May flowers.” This English proverb traditionally refers to the melting of the last of the snow that turns into rain. That rain then gives way to beautiful blooms in May. It can also be a metaphor for experiencing difficult times that can lead to growth and positive outcomes.  

April in Alabama is a rainy month which is an emotional bummer for this naturally chipper goofball. The dreary weather can put me in a funk. However, I tell myself that the rain washes away the past (and pollen) and gives way to new beginnings and an opportunity for growth. There is something quite refreshing about a spring renewal.  

Even with my seasonal suffering, spring brings a surge of energy and April is a time for the ever popular “spring cleaning”. Being the only non-packrat in my home has its challenges. The need for a spring cleanout is strong in the Miller home and I look forward to purging the things no longer serving us. New blessings and opportunity for growth then have a doorway to our lives.  

Spring is a great time to assess the progress of my goals, both personal and professional. There are years where I get to spring and feel I have accomplished nothing and other years I smile internally at all that I have accomplished in the few months of the new year. Those accomplishments may mean nothing to everyone else but to me, simply not hitting the snooze button, not drying the same load of clothes more than once, sending my oldest to school with a healthy snack as opposed to Oreos and drinking one less Diet Coke every day are small wins that make this type A girl swoon. Likewise, I use spring as a time to assess whether my goals have changed and set a new plan if so. With a theme of renewal and growth, I usually buy a few motivational books while traveling in hopes of gaining some insight on how to be the best version of myself, and thus a better mom, wife, friend, and colleague.

As president of this prestigious organization, this spring I pause to reflect not just on personal, but also professional growth. I took an oath to lead our organization to meaningful change and in doing so positively impact our profession. My leadership role consisted of setting numerous goals. Some of these have been checked off my list, some are still in progress and some have spurred me to change my mindset and outlook on what is needed and possible. I have learned that things change and being adaptable is a necessary quality of a true leader.  

Every great leader needs to do an internal assessment of their strategy and style in order to best move their group’s initiatives forward and inspire. Spring is a great time to do this while the scent and energy of renewal is in the air. Sometimes that inner drive uncovers growth and successes and sometimes it brings need for change to the surface. Regardless, the willingness to assess is success.  

Have you ever stood or danced in the rain and let the drops wash over you? Do you remember feeling as if the rain washed your mind and spirit of negativity, stress or sadness? There is something quite calming yet invigorating about metaphorically being cleansed of the old, almost shedding an invisible layer that has built up over time preventing growth and sometimes happiness. If you haven’t done this, I encourage you to try it.  

Just as the April rain washes away the dirt and nourishes the soil that leads to the blooms in May, spring can do the same for you if you are willing to get a little wet.

Yours Truly,  

Lauren Miller, MPAS, PA-C President, SDPA Board of Directors