Thursday, November 19, 2009

I Am...

I am...

Hmmm, what am I? I don't think I ever had trouble describing myself before, but as I sit here in front of this blank screen, I realize that I don't quite know how to start an honest description of myself. I will try my best, though, so you have an understanding of my perspective in the stories I will share.

First and foremost, I am not perfect. Who is, really? My attempts to have the perfect life have all been in vain and, instead of fighting that fight, I have come to realize with age that my imperfections may be much more interesting.

Secondly, I am observant. I seem to grasp the smaller life moments that may be missed or may seem mundane to someone without a searching eye. It's these simple, boring moments that hold so much more excitement. These moments of rawness and realness make me thankful to be walking the path that I am on.

So what path is that? Well, quite simply, I am a husband. I am a father. I am a friend, a son, a brother, and uncle, a nephew, an athlete, a writer, a lover of books, of music, of nature...I could make this an endless, if boring, list. It is funny to think, though, that the thing I worked the hardest for in my life is probably the thing I want least to define me.

What is that, you ask yourself? Well, I am also an emergency medicine physician.

Unlike some of my comrades, I am not in need of a pedestal to stand. I don't have a big ego. I actually view sharing my occupation with someone as detrimental. The stigmas attached to being a physician can range from absolute adoration to pure disgust. It seems this scale directly correlates with the person's age; the older a person, the more adoration. Well, maybe barring the seventy year-old lawyer. Who needs these projected feelings?

Another reason I don't share? Do you know how many people want to tell you about their hemorrhoids once they find out that you are a physician? Or their bowel movements? Or that thick, fungal toenail they've had for ten years? And please, whatever else, don't ask me to look at that mole on your back that's going to remind me of a head of broccoli.

These reasons alone are enough to keep me from sharing with the typical person what I do. I would like to think that neurosurgeons aren't spared these stories either, but that may be wishful thinking.

So from you, my friend, I ask a favor. Be patient and give me time to unwrap my layers to you. My stories will be funny. My stories will be heartbreaking. My stories will be personal. My stories will be professional. My stories will be your glimpse into a life that may differ from yours. It is my hope that you enjoy them, that something from my experiences may touch your core.

Until next time...thanks for visiting.

New posts will start Monday, November 23 and follow a MWF schedule.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Jamie Ridler said...

Congratulations on making a start! Welcome to the blogosphere :) And what a great way to start - with an exploration of who you are. Thank you for sharing your story.

And thanks also for your kind words on my site. I'm really glad you enjoyed the interview!

Sarah Sullivan said...

Wonderful first post. Wonderful hook too..I can't wait to learn about your layers!! Let Fly Jim!!
Namaste, Sarah

Emma said...

Congratulations on your new blog!

I like the ways you describe yourself...and the challenges of telling people about your job. :)

Monique Kleinhans said...

What fun to get to know you as if opening the first page of a novel! This is a wonderful place to explore and share and to find yourself in conversation with parts of you that might not even realize that you have been ignoring.

Welcome and we'll look forward to hearing more of what you want to share.

Blessings!

Marcy Hall said...

YAY!!! you rock, captain america!!

IrishPoet said...

very nice post...found your blog thru my friend Christine at the BlissChick...as I have learned thru my yoga training and one of my gurus, Eckhart Tolle, "I am that I am"

Ginny said...

Hi,
Congratulations on your blog. I found you on Jamie Ridler's site and enjoyed reading your first post. I am looking forward to reading more.

merinz said...

Welcome to blogland.

Cal said...

Followed you here from the comment you left on ERP's blog. Looking forward to reading more!

mermaid said...

I had to smile when shared your stories about people telling you their problems and asking for your advice.

Perhaps they are hoping you are a demigod who knows how to be with their vulnerability when they themselves cannot.

StorytellERdoc said...

Thanks, everybody, for your awesome feedback and comments and for welcoming my first post.

Come back, Monday! I look forward to more comments and feedback.

Thanks for reading...

Maha said...

Welcome to the blogosphere! Eagerly awaiting more posts and I'll try not to ask you about weird brocolli/cauliflower moles :)

Anonymous said...

Hey there. I can tell you that nurses get the same stories. Get told the same things. Only difference? We get to tell the person to call a doctor. hehe

Wonderful blog!

Andy and Linda Johnson said...

Oh anonymous one ... We miss you, your family, and your stories so much! This is bringing it all back! Thank you for sharing!

SeaSpray said...

Welcome aboard StorytellERdoc!

You had me hooked reading your profile!

I am going to blogroll you and look forward to reading your posts. If you don't mind..before the night is out, I am also going to announce you in my blog. :)

I stumbled into the med blogosphere 3 years ago, didn't know what blogging was.. loved the exquisite medical humor and the rest of it and am now a committed, addicted blogger..or maybe that is an addicted blogger who should be committed. ;)

I'm looking forward to your posts. have fun! :)

WordDoc said...

Off to a great start. I look forward to reading your stories.

ladydi said...

I'm hooked -terrific! This last one really made me smile! I can't wait for the next one.

Garnet said...

Exactly. Why I'm blogging instead of talking. Thanks for the great stories.

Ambrosia Bierce (2014 AD) said...

Love your blog & decided to read them all again from the start.