Lesson 1. The world is not as you perceive it.
There's a whole philosophical treatise in the middle of that but it probably easiest to simply understand that life is not as you see it. People aren't criticising you the way you criticise yourself. People make decisions from their own logical deductions, they aren't intrinsically wrong just because they are different from you. Education is not about reading out powerpoint. All of these facts need a huge expansion and discussion but actually are easily summed up by considering that the world is not as I perceive it. In so many ways.
Carol 1 Personal policy - Metropolisamerica
Lesson 2. Take time for yourself, you're worth it.
The whole "wellness" things has become A Thing over the last year or two. And rightly so. Most of us, particularly in Medicine, are exposed to emotions and experiences that are far from simple or normal. The way we respond to them is completely individual but we must be aware that simply letting them wash over us is not the way to cope. We must take active steps to look after ourselves. This is not selfish but essential. What that "wellness" consists of is entirely personal. For some it may be meditation, for others it might be a Glee Club and others find their peace in a regular gym session. These periods of time are selfish but essential. Without them so many colleagues are unwell, burning out and fading away. You are worth this, please make time for yourself.
Carol 2 Pretty Saro - Bob Dylan
Lesson 3. It's okay not to be okay.
Mental health affects us all. I really don't understand it. But then I don't understand anaesthesia or rap music either. Sometimes things just aren't ok. And that's a terrifying place to be. This year I have had two very dear friends in very bad places and both seriously considered that the world would be a better place without them. Both were very wrong but they needed others to reach out to them and offer them something beyond their own horror and revulsion of life. It's okay not to be okay. Life can be so very hard but please never think that you're not worth it. The world will always be a much sadder and worse place without you.
Carol 3. Queens of the breakers - The Barr Brothers
Lesson 4. Music is about stories
I love music. It fills my commute, helps me to operate and soundtracks my life. Music isn't bad or good on its own, it is made something by its connection to life. Radio 5 Live have a great show called "Blood on the Tracks" where panellists share their music and the stories around that. You should listen. And reflect. Music is about stories.
Carol 4 Come Away with Me - Norah Jones
Lesson 5. You are stronger than that.
I've spent the last year training quite hard using The Sufferfest.com a cycling turbo training app. This has dramatically improved my fitness, my cycling technique and intriguingly shown me how to endure the "suffering" of strenuous exercise longer and harder than I have ever done before. Quite how this has been achieved, I don't know but it has shown me that physically we can go further than we think at first. I am now a Knight of Sufferlandria.
Carol 5 White Star Liner - Public Service Broadcasting
Lesson 6 Oil the chain
I've done nearly 3000 km on my bike this year and have not been at good at maintenance as I should have been. All it takes is a few minutes to clean the crap off the bike after the ride and put just a little bit of lubricant on the chain but I'm always rushing for something else. Sometimes those minutes seem like they can't be spared but the bike definitely goes better when you do.
Carol 6 If I had a boat - The Brothers Landreth
Lesson 7 Fashion advice needn't be painful.
I really didn't look good in that grey suit but I couldn't see it myself. The woollen shirt under that jacket really worked. Getting rid of those shirts made all the difference. Fashion advice is just that. Some folk really do have an eye for it and I'm grateful.
Carol 7 Slomo - Slowdive
Lesson 8 Getting things done takes organisation
I've been through a few phases when it comes to organisation. Getting Things Done doesn't just happen. It takes planning and a structure. It probably doesn't need to be the same system but it does need to be a system. I'm getting back to getting things done.
Carol 8 Cry to me - Solomon Burke
Lesson 9 Drink good coffee
Life is too short to drink bad coffee. Good coffee is available and doesn't need to be expensive. It might take a little bit of effort, but it's worth it. Drink good coffee.
Carol 9 All of you (live) - Miles Davis and John Coltrane, The Final Tour.
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