Header Logo
Meet the coach Testimonials Blog

Joy in Family Medicine – Stories & Reflections

Lessons, lightbulb moments, and honest reflections from life inside and outside medicine - served with a side of perspective.

Tags: discernment

Showing 6 results:


Purpose at the Crossroads: Story and Reflection
It’s at the crossroads—between opportunity and discernment—that purpose gets tested. - A resident deciding between a desired fellowship and staying in a community they love that may not utilize that training. - A faculty member torn between taking on a leadership role or focusing their energy on ...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 12, 2025 alignment authenticity boundaries calling clarity decision making discernment growth humility intentionality leadership long-term impact meaning opportunity purpose responsibility self-awareness service sustainability team based leadership timing transition vocation well-being wisdom
The Extra Mile - Story and Reflection
Recently, I’ve been supporting my mom from afar as she’s gone through a complicated health issue. Like many patients, she didn’t show up with a single neat explanation. She had two separate issues—Occam’s razor didn’t apply. That alone created delays and misdirection, but this story isn’t about w...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 12, 2025 bandwidth care care over efficiency clarity connection discernment effort empathy experience informed action family perspective generosity going above and beyond gratitude groundedness healing healing moments humanity intention leadership meaningful meaningful effort medicine pacing perspective physician humanity presence prioritization professionalism relational medicine right effort right moment silent leadership timing wisdom
Reflecting on Two Things
In preparing for the AMWA Evolve Leadership Course for trainees session on Difficult Conversations, I've been reflecting on principles from Crucial Conversations, Super Communicators, Non-Violent Communication, and How to Work with Almost Anyone (all highly recommended books). We often fall into ...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 12, 2025 awareness balance binary thinking communication compassion complexity conflict resolution contradiction curiosity discernment emotional intelligence empathy fool's choice grace growth honesty kindness labeling mindset nuance overgeneralization paradox perspective polarity thinking reflection relationship self-regulation truth understanding wake
The In-Between Reflection
A story with three invitations for you to reflect. A few months ago, a friend asked if I would consider a small part-time role that seemed exciting in some respects and daunting in others. (Plus, the potential to be distracting even). I quickly did the reflex thing that I rarely do - I said, "Of ...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 08, 2025 alignment balance boundaries calling centering clarity commitment decision discernment integrity mentorship peace priorities process purpose reflection service surrender waiting wisdom
VW Bug Reflection
For this week's reflection, I invite you to picture a 4-seater car. My friend, Dr Sasha Shillcutt, likes to talk about balancing/integrating life as the driver. You occupy the driver's seat (hopefully!), and then you have one other front-seat passenger and 2 back-seat passengers. Here's my take. ...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 08, 2025 awareness balance boundaries capacity choice clarity commitment control decision-making discernment energy focus integration intentionality mindfulness navigation priorities reflection responsibility time
Mindful Reflection
Michael Bungay Stanier reframes mindfulness as a better sense of reality - more situationally aware. He explains it as the ability to sort through data and separate it from our judgments. Currently, in whatever situation you're in - ask yourself the key question he poses: What do I know to be tru...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — May 31, 2025 awareness clarity discernment focus insight introspection judgment mindfulness perception presence reality reflection truth

Joy in Family Medicine – Stories & Reflections

Lessons, lightbulb moments, and honest reflections from life inside and outside medicine - served with a side of perspective.
Footer Logo
Terms Privacy Disclaimer Contact us Login
Powered by Kajabi

Stay Connected


Join my mailing list to receive free weekly tips and insights!