My Word of the Year

Intention. I thought my word would be fruition and originally it was. I have a whooooole lotta things I want to come to fruition this year and I’m so very excited to see it happen. However, to see those things come to pass, I’m going to need to move with Intention.

Back in college, grad school, and even in med school (before my troubles with STEP 1), I was involved in everything I could be. I did the absolute most: research, mission trips, community service, church ministries, publications, committees. You name it. And usually all at once. I was always on a mission to get to the next level: the next school acceptance, the next accolade, the next degree. I was on a mission to obtain that MD by any means necessary and I did everything to get it. I did EVERYTHING to get here. I’m here. Now what?

Now that I am in the final stages of my education and training, I have slowed down. And I deserve to. I have paid my dues. I have volunteered until the cows came home. I have worked for free. I have been the leader. I have followed the leader. I have real job experience. I got all my degrees. I got my MD. And now. Only two exams stand between me and full-time, unabashed practice as an Attending physician. I’ve accomplished my lifetime dream and I think it’s high time I aspire to (more) peace.

To do that, I have to move with intention. I no longer sign up for everything. In fact, I don’t sign up for anything unless it serves a purpose I am absolutely passionate about. That privilege comes with time, pre-meds. You get to be more selective with your time the further you get in your career. Hold on, y’all. Last year, I co-led a covid vaccine initiative in Harlem. I wanted our clinic to have more of a presence in the community and address inhabitants’ healthfulness. That was intern year. I have not participated in initiatives since…y’all know I’ve been focused on my survival instead. I have so many purpose-driven ideas I wanted to see come to pass while I’m here in NYC. I may just need to carry them out elsewhere. (We shall see). And that’s ok.

Prior to starting residency, I thought I would apply to be chief resident…Then I saw what the responsibility actually entails: scheduling, conflict resolution, and clerical work. Residencies, just spend the extra money to hire ancillary staff. The additional pay for chief resident is only $2-3K extra over the course of the year. For all that work that has nothing to do with medicine? When I could be instead growing my own empire? It’s a hard No for me. There is plenty leadership on my CV already. I thank God for the years I spent paying my dues.

So what is my focus for this year? What am I being intentional about? Well, my primary goal is this:

MY NYC EXODUS. I am very intentional about that, ya heard?! In order for this exit of Biblical proportions to take place, this year I will focus on:

-Hearing and obeying God

-Passing STEP 3

-Acquiring and becoming more confident in my women’s health skills

-Bolstering my savings

-Forming long-term partnerships for SAC

-Reaching my financial goals for SAC

-Enhancing my creative strategy for SAC

-Purchasing my home

-Preparing for Family Medicine boards

I am intentional about making these things happen this year so by April 2024, I am set up for success and ready for my next step. My focus will be on this list. I won’t be hyperfocused. I will absolutely allow time for other things, but my action and intention will come back to this core list.

It is 2023 in the year of our Lord and Savior. After the pandemic and especially after the time it took so many to rebuild, I encourage you all to ask yourselves the following questions before signing up to do anything:

-Does this serve my purpose?

-Does this serve people I care about?

-Will this get me closer to accomplishing my ultimate goals?

-Does this serve me?

Trim the fat. Life is long. Live purposefully, y’all.

Again, I can finally see the light. The light at the end of the tunnel is so very clear and I want to be fully prepared to bask in it. I want to run around and bathe in it. I cannot wait. I cannot wait. I will be intentional during the wait. This year, Intention. Next year…The Happening.

xx,

Photos by Sweetie Mensah