Burning Man. Musings from the playa.

As I biked around Black Rock City during the 2019 Burning Man Event, I came across so many poignant signs. One that I was especially drawn to was a bright pink lounge with a quote “Love more, fear less. Float more. Steer less.” This may be my mantra from this year’s Event.

I have always loved with my whole heart and have not been fearful. So, that part of the phrase was not as meaningful to me. But, I am a woman who steers like there is no tomorrow.

As a forward-thinking professional I have always worked a to-do list with an end-goal in mind: Doing well at Northwestern to position myself well to get into medical school, master new physician skills to perform better patient care, schedule the births of my first two children (our third child was just an unexpected blessing!), orchestrate a move back to our hometown to practice medicine.

Now that I am nearing my 50th birthday and my teenagers are “leaving the nest” I am waxing poetic on the whys and pace of life. I indeed would like to float more and steer less. I would like the future to unfold and for me to orchestrate less. This is emotionally freeing. I urge you to find a mantra that speaks to you and explore it.