New Year’s Evolution, a poem
“I'm continuously questioning: did I do it right?" she said. "I’ve always done a good amount of second-guessing, but I’m re-learning how to show up differently.”
Though self-doubt was a familiar thought pattern, she also knew that in her field of palliative care, there was never a right or wrong–only one path at a time.
A recent tragedy was challenging her to practice showing up in the face of uncertainty and grief, and her belief in the power of presence was growing as a result.
She viewed the fact that she wanted to work on showing up differently as a reflection of progress–from her own inner work, mental health work, and commitment to supporting others and creating an environment where her colleague would want to stay.
Listener Poet Jenny Hegland
American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Care
January 2023
New Year’s Evolution
2023 is not the year
I’ll run a marathon
or attempt anything
epic or heroic. No,
2023 will be the year
of literally showing
up. Of making hard
calls. Of choosing to
go when staying home
is the easier choice.
Of showing up for con-
versations without an
agenda or expectations.
Uncertainty is the
nature of our work,
but I’m starting to
shake my should’ve,
would’ve, could’ves &
believe in my bones
being there
being me
is my call to show up diff’rently. I’m starting
to believe that showing
up is how to show love.
Perhaps it’ll be an
epic year after all.
