Sometimes we feel like we will be crushed. Drowned in the mud and the muck of life. Perhaps, for a moment, we will be. What defines us, however, is never how far we sink. What defines us is how we rise.

I forgot about Doctors Day this year. I forgot it was coming. Honestly, I actually forgot it existed. I was lost in a sea of work, patient care and preparing myself and family for my own upcoming surgery. I completely forgot. Until a single text message reminded me in the most powerful way.

Like it or not, adversity is part of the human experience. Life was not intended to be easy, but created to be filled with obstacles, failures, disappointments and differing levels of adversity.

January is a month full of resolutions, goals and willpower. It is also a month in which I hear the echo of people commenting on how they will be ‘self-disciplined’ this year in order to achieve their goals. I used to be one of those echoes. I used to tout the value of self-discipline. Now, I challenge you to erase self-discipline from your vocabulary.