I’ve noticed a trend between late nights at work, being tired, and a vicious cycle of negativity. My temper kicks in, my fuse shortens, and I’m ready to brawl any chance the situation presents itself. But that’s not me. What the heck?
Let’s start with lack of sleep:
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Negativity
It’s so much easier being negative than taking the time to look at the positive side of things. I’m a realist so the positive BS gets a bit thick for me. I’m not outright rude to people, but I certainly don’t go out of my way to sugarcoat things. In today’s world, I do feel people need better coping skills. Does that make me a cold hearted snake? No, I don’t think so. I just think I’ve seen things and dealt with things that have made me stronger. Perhaps I’m out of touch.
Realizing lack of work-life balance
If 40 hours/week is the magical number for work-life balance and being able to maintain “full-time” status… I’m well over that. Perhaps the lack of being able to make my own hours is another imbalance. I’m a servant to my pager and to my hospital duties. Don’t feel sorry for me; I knew that going into healthcare. Is work-life balance an illusion?
Empathy
But maybe this is what needs improving. As I get older, it’s harder and harder for me to find sympathy and feel empathy in situations. I don’t have any concrete examples coming to mind, but I find myself believing that people got themselves into a particular situation without a thought of consequences. There seems to be a huge movement for being in the present — quite honestly, I wouldn’t mind if people had the thoughtfulness to think of the present while also keeping an eye on the future.
I stumbled upon the idea of transference. Interesting article here about what it is and how it alters your perspective on life.
Needing an outlet
But what if it’s the challenge of being close that can be so emotionally charging? Maybe it’s the lack of honest accurate communication?
Love. Laughter. Life. Medicine. 