25 years ago today (1 May 1998) I graduated from Chiropractic College, becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic and ready to take on the world! *Ok, I did have to pass my board exams and get a license first!*, but the school part was over!
I knew then that chiropractic was a force for good and I wanted to get out to the world and make it a better place, one spine, one nervous system at a time!
As I reflect on this day, it seems surreal that I have been a Chiropractor for 25 years and 22 of those years here in the KW community ( I was also in England, Alberta and Brantford). I have learned so much, and am eternally grateful for the people I have been honoured to serve and learn from, over the years.
As I have been reflecting, I have compiled a short list of things I would tell my younger self, as I graduated that gorgeous sunny day in May.
- Chiropractic is a good as you think it is (and even better!) – the effects of the adjustment can and do change the trajectory of healing, but don’t take it personally, you aren’t the brilliant one, the body is!
- Have fun! Laugh and be a beacon of joy to yourself and others – this is also a powerful way to bring healing to the world.
- Trust your instincts – but first you need to stop, take some deep breaths and get in tune with your deeper self. Then trust yourself.
- Being a Chiropractor is also being a business owner – you will be running a small business, so surround yourself with mentors who can help you run a successful small business!
- Focus on your own well-being – it is impossible to take care of others when you aren’t taking care of yourself. Your health is paramount – invest well.
- Never stop learning – the day you think you know it all is the day you need to go back to basics.
- Surround yourself with people you want to spend your days with – from the staff (that’s you Cindy!) to the people you share your office with! You will be spending your days with them!
- Travel – get out and explore, and bring that revitalized self back to serve the people in your practice.
- Evolve with the times – things are going to change so make sure you can adapt and change with the times.
- Smile and relax- you are going to be great!
Thanks for being a part of this journey and for your trust now and over the years.
I am so thrilled to be still in practice and loving it, 25 years later.
Dr Lisa