Stories & Reflections from a Family Medicine Physician Coach

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: joy

Showing 7 results:

The Youngest Flower Girl: Story and Reflection

I'm not sure every parent of a flower girl fears how the ceremony will go, but my husband and I sure did years ago. You see, our oldest was invited to be the flower girl for 2 of our med school classmates when she was barely three years old. We had many voices of experience say she's too young. A...

by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 10, 2025 balance big picture celebration ceremony detail-orientation embarrassment feedback focus humanity humor hyperfocus joy learning memory mindfulness mistake negativity bias overfocus parenting perfectionism perspective presence reflection regulation self-awareness self-compassion social cues storytelling worry zooming-out

Envy or Esteem Reflection

They're everywhere. Physicians who own their own thriving practices. Physicians who lead departments and hospital systems. Physicians who lead well-being initiatives in effective, meaningful ways within their systems. Physician coaches who work clinically full-time. Physicians who have retired a...

by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 10, 2025 acceptance admiration agency appreciation aspiration authenticity celebration choices comparison confidence discontent envy esteem fulfillment highlight reel identity inspiration journey joy mindset priorities purpose reflection self-doubt self-worth shift strenghts uniqueness values

The Snapshot: Story and Reflection

One day around 30 years ago or so, my husband, a 3rd year medical student had the weekend off and I, a 2nd year, had no upcoming exams. So, we drove an hour to visit family. We, including our 4 year old, wanted to show off how our newborn had grown. I had taken a whopping 1-week off for maternity...

by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 10, 2025 balance belonging clarity connection default-mode family gratitude intention joy legacy meaning memory mindfulness perspective presence purpose reflection simplicity values

Spring Outside Story and Reflection

On March 6, my husband said - let's run tomorrow night. Our local running store offers unofficial community runs each week. Normally, I'm the least spontaneous person I know - maybe it was his enthusiasm or the sun shining through my Alaskan window. I was like, "Let's do it!" It was a fabulous ru...

by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 10, 2025 adaptation appreciation awareness change community gratitude growth hope humor identity joy light optimism perspective privilege reflection reframing resilience seasons spontaneity

1% Reflection

I invite you this week to consider what percent of your average work week includes joy. When you drill down - what are those experiences that offer soul-satisfying glimmers? If it's below 20% - there is some good news - slowly increasing up to 20% will be protective against burnout. If it's above...

by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 03, 2025 awareness balance burnout connection energy engagement fulfillment gratitude growth incremental inspiration joy mindfulness presence purpose reflection resilience satisfaction wellbeing workplace

Extra Mile Reflection

This photo is a throw-back to when my dad had been stuck in his recliner for a couple of days due to severe worsening metastatic bone pain to his hip. It only hurt if he moved his leg. So after scrambling to get the family to be with him, he had a telemedicine visit with his primary care doc who ...

by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 03, 2025 access advocacy caregiving compassion connection dignity empathy gratitude healthcare impact independence joy language mobility paperwork presence service support telemedicine wellbeing

Savory Reflection

In our hustle and bustle routines, we often forget to slow down and be mindful. On a recent trip, in a culture that approaches food by sitting, relaxing, and taking the time to digest and connect with friends, I was reminded of the importance of slowing down. -- To taste and appreciate the food, ...

Jun 03, 2025 appreciation awareness breath community connection food gratitude harmony intentionality joy meals mindfulness presence reflection ritual savoring simplicity slowness wellbeing

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: joy

Joy in Family Medicine – Stories & Reflections

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

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