Purpose and Boundaries

Burnout or moral injury is not the fault of the clinician. We, those in healthcare, work in a system that put profit before the health of individuals. I had hit a point in life where I sincerely reviewed what was my purpose?

In 2021, I wrote a passage that was very profound re-reading it in 2023. It was during a time when I found it very difficult—it was more of an existential crisis. I had no homicidal or suicidal thoughts. It was more of, “What am I doing with my life?”

“Today I was pulled back under the waters of what may have been dismay. I am not sure how to label what I felt, but I labeled it as best as I could.

I paused and paused again.

I pushed the proverbial pause button. I took a deep breath and kept driving. Kept driving forward.

Imagery wise, I was able to kick it…whatever was pulling me away…whatever was pulling me down, whatever was weighing me down.

Keeping my head above water. Trying not to panic.

I felt anger.

I thought, why am I feeling this way?

But I realized that I was triggered. But I was mindful, about how to identify it. I felt the feelings.

But being able to channel them aside…in order to continue on with the day.

I acknowledge I am human.

I acknowledge that I need to feel my feelings, and in doing so without substance, I have remembered the past, and understood the complexity.

I am okay to redefine boundaries. They will change as life changes, and as I change.

Points:

1. Pause and honor your feelings.

2. You are human. Negative feelings are normal.

3. Keep living life. If you need help, seek help.

4. Boundaries are important. They are necessary.

5. Purpose is necessary. You have to know yourself in order to know what you need, and your purpose.