*Cue the Aladdin music*
In my newly heightened state of self-awareness and planning for the future, my most important plan is to exist in a constant state of readiness. When I was on active duty so very long ago, readiness was a constant buzzword. Your medical, dental and personal readiness were charted, discussed, and forecast. The classes, appointments, training plans etc required to achieve readiness were assessed regularly by your superiors and your achievement of these expectations were part of your evaluations.
But on my own, where have I fallen off and what am I doing to return to a ready position?
Financially I am RED. My credit is being rebuilt as we speak. There are multiple reasons for that. Poor self management and self medication by restaurant is a huge part of that. Generational teaching is another. My mother always stressed rewarding yourself for hard work but never mind that you can’t afford the damn reward. This is the greatest source of my stress right now because I found out yesterday that my apartment building is on the market. So now I have the option of rolling the dice and hoping for a decent landlord for the next year or moving with NO money. There are already interested potential buyers and it is a wonderful place so I’m sure it will move fast. My original plan was to live here for 2 more years and then buy. I’ll be starting my first post-residency job and I want to make sure I like it before I decide about buying a house. Now of course, that may not be a good plan. I’m planning to use the next year to increase my moving readiness just in case I have to move. I had planned on staying in the area post-residency but what if God is trying to pull the rug out so I will be forced to leave? I firmly believe that you stay where you are until the lesson is done. Lesson #1: Be prepared.
Professionally I am YELLOW. I have another year of residency left. There are lots of family medicine positions in smaller towns outside the city but I really want to be here. I also have to plan that I will need to support myself for possibly 2 months while I wait for my first check. I hate uncertainty. I hate not knowing where I will be working, where I will be living. I’m trying to get organized for the job hunt now. Lesson #2- Stay Ready
Personally I am Yellow-Green. I’m stressed about all that I have going on. We’re planning to get married soon. I’m lucky in love but at a standstill in the rest of my life. My fervent prayer right now is that God orders my steps to make wise decisions that will set my family up for success. I don’t know what direction I’m heading but I’m trying to stay prayerful (easier said than done sometimes- perhaps that’s the lesson here)
Damn! I can’t get that stupid Aladdin song out of my head now.
