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Episode 6: Recapturing Joy with Dr. Amaryllis Sanchez, “The Faithful M.D.”
Amaryllis and I met several years ago at a Georgetown University Media Training for doctors. I greatly enjoyed visiting with her and learning her story. During her medical and post-graduate training she received numerous awards and often held leadership positions. Her career began in a traditional family medicine practice, but was called to something more.
Since our meeting, she has published her fourth book, called Recapturing Joy in Medicine. She currently stays very busy as a doctor, blogger, speaker, and coach to physicians, especially about burnout prevention.
““The secret to finding joy is to align who you are with what you do, based on a self-awareness, what makes you happy, and your goals and priorities.””
Watch the Interview
Moments of Personal Change
One moment of heartfelt, “raw” prayer during a low time of distress and burnout. She says, “My journey began” after I knelt in the driveway to pray.
A second moment during a mission trip to Guatemala, when she prayed with a patient for the first time. From then on, she took her willingness to pray and “her most precious gift” into the exam room.
The third moment came when she “stepped off the treadmill” at the time of a move and the birth of her third child.
“I felt like I was being re-humanized.”
During this interruption, Amaryllis was able to reconnect to her values, goals, and to the people in her life. She says the secret to finding joy is to align who are are with what you do, based on a self-awareness of who you are, what makes you happy, what are your goals and priorities.
If you can find a way to step off your treadmill, even if briefly, maybe you can reflect on your own life and what changes you might make to help you be more aligned and joyful. I liked Pete Scazerro’s convincing words about the benefits of a weekly sabbath—a great way to get off your treadmill.
Takeaways: Nuggets for All of Us Suffering through the Pandemic
Self care basics: sleep, exercise, healthy eatingLower expectations
Reduce negative input…from the news and social media
Ask for help if you need it, from family, friends, or professionals
Take advantage of the indirect blessings created by the pandemic, such as more time for family, healthy habits, reading, or creative pursuits.
More on Negative Thinking
“We have more power than we exercise.”
If you are stuck in a cycle of negative thinking (such as worry, fear, anger, resentment, jealousy), assume control. You have the power. Pray, exercise, talk to a close friend or family member, see a professional, or consider learning about a self-help version of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Final Words of Encouragement
““Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.””
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change,
the courage to change what I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Additional Links and Resources
The Physician Support Line is for doctors or medical students especially stressed dealing with the pandemic.
Visit Dr. Mari’s blogs www.DrMarisFaithStop.com, www.faithfulMD.com
Consider the other two books mentioned: Pete Scazerro's Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, and Mind Over Mood, a self-help version of cognitive behavioral therapy
A great way to deal with negative thinking is to develop what I call God-centered mindfulness by using an on-the-go prayer. I describe this in step seven in my blog 10 Steps to Less Stress, More Serenity, Health, and God.
Subscribe to the Serenity and Health Blog for monthly encouragement and suggestions.
Like/Follow Serenity and Health on Facebook, where our Pop-Up Conversations are published first.
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About Amaryllis Sanchez, M.D.
Dr. Amaryllis Sanchez Wohlever, M.D.
She is the wife of a pilot-turned-preacher, the happy mom of three terrific children, and a leader in healthcare for twenty-five years. Her life was transformed years ago through a heartfelt prayer. Since then, her work as a physician turned into a ministry as she learned to care for people from the heart. She strives to care for the soul and minister to the spirit while treating the body.
Her latest book, Recapturing Joy in Medicine, inspires physicians to recapture a sense of meaning and purpose in medicine and in life. Her unique devotional, Walking with Jesus in Healthcare, helps medical professionals and caregivers stay close to God while caring for people. She leads retreats based on her books, including The 3 Y’s of Faith. She also wrote a practical, fun book for girls, The Ultimate Girls’ Body Book.
About Donna
Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, and programs at her church. She is the author of Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021).
Donna previously practiced medicine for forty years, first as a radiation oncologist and later, after re-training, as a family medicine doctor. What she learned taking care of immigrants and the homeless in Washington, D.C., continues to influence her programs. A central theme is that health of body, mind, and spirit is interrelated and connected to God, all as a package deal. Donna is a wife, mother, and grandmother and lives in University Park, Maryland.
Questions? Reach out to Donna Chacko.
Do you use these excuses to avoid having to take action?