My past self could have desperately benefited from seeing this photo

My past self could have desperately benefited from seeing this photo.

Earlier this week, I walked to my favorite cafe down the street from my house and set up shop. I picked the ideal table for productivity and got comfortable knowing I’d be there for a few hours. I opened a text from one of my patients enjoying his first pain-free run in a long time and turned my attention to my computer and cup of coffee.

The text made me smile, as do all of my patients. It was a quick distraction from the residency grading and organizing I was about to do.

And that’s when it hit me. This was one of the moments where you sit back and wonder, “how did I get here?” A moment where you are so fulfilled, happy, and thankful that you can’t believe you ever doubted it would be possible.

And I realized that I wished my past self could see me now. There was a time when I felt like I was going through the motions and would be burnt out forever. There was so much doubt that I would never find happiness in physical therapy.

But I was so very wrong, and my hope is that you will be too.

 Those days you wish for are coming.