For me, this new year has brought on a hodgepodge of emotions. I confess that concluding the holiday festivities has made me a bit melancholy. At the same time, the prospect of a new year does awaken in me renewed enthusiasm. Yes, I am an oxymoron. As I work through these emotions, I find this song continues to come up again and again.
My jam right now is “Times Like These” by the Foo Fighters. If you don’t know it, let me share the lyrics that seem to resonate for me the most:
It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again
When I hear these lyrics and hum along (or sing along loudly if nobody else is around!) I start to view the new year from a fresh perspective. The year 2023 is filled with possibilities, especially if you break it down line by line.
It's times like these you learn to live again
2023 is the time to do what brings you joy. I look at my calendar and see conferences and continuing education programs that will inspire me and reconnect me with colleagues. I look at my calendar again, and I see vacations and get-togethers with friends and family. My schedule is filling up in a good way because I planned it that way. I set boundaries and carved out fun opportunities, and this makes me very happy about this year.
It's times like these you give and give again
Within my veterinary practice, 2023 has bestowed us with lots of new stuff – new technologies and new software. Also, new veterinarians have joined our team. We have been given a lot of “newness” at once, and all that change has the potential to overwhelm my staff. I am giving them my understanding and flexibility (and even extended deadlines) to settle into 2023. In fact, our official “start date” for 2023 is January 15.
It's times like these you learn to love again
I mentioned in my last blog that members of my team have lost parents recently and have dealt with illnesses and family crises. As their manager, one of the best things I can do for them is to listen, be present, love my team for who they are, and to respect the fact that they need to transition into 2023 at their own pace.
It's times like these time and time again
I have never been one to make New Year’s resolutions that stop actions or change things. Instead, I approach my resolutions from a place of abundance - looking at what makes me happy and seeing if I can make it happen. My approach is more wistful than stressful. And, as I said in the beginning, it is always connected to a good song. This year, I encourage you to find your own jam. Then belt it out!
My resolution for 2023, eat the dessert, drink the good wine and buy the shoes! Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Jessica Speas, CVPM, SPHR, PHR-ca, SHRM-SCP, CCFP
VHMA President
#PracticePulse