Balancing Work, Family and Life in 2010

As I look ahead to 2010, I begin to ponder some resolutions for the new year. There are three main circles of our professional lives that intersect: work, family and life. One cannot exist without the other, as we are equal participants in all.


Regarding work, our patient flow in 2009 was steady. The economy hit us just as hard as it hit many of my colleagues. For 2010, I resolve to maintain our excellence in dental care for each and every patient.

By practicing ethically and morally, we will continue to offer options that will satisfy both their oral condition and their financial obligations. I will continue to appreciate my team, without whom I would not survive, let alone find all the necessary components for that composite tray!

I will also resolve to do something to change the feel of our office. Every so often, you need to redecorate. I add new pictures yearly. I always have plants and fresh flowers. We will repaint in 2010.

Regarding family, we will soon be adding on a new little one. My daughter, Erin, is pregnant with our first grandchild. I resolve to spend quality time with both mother and daughter without being intrusive. I also resolve to continue on my quest for healthy meals with less than six ingredients. My husband and I need our health and energy to keep up with the next generation.

Regarding life, now there is a conundrum. Exercise, exercise, exercise. I resolve to continue my three to four day a week visit to the gym. Again, a healthy Sheri is much more capable to handle bumps in the other two circles.

After attending seminars from my friend Kary Udiato, I have learned that you need to keep yourself healthy for anything life throws at you. Truer words have not been spoken. Finally, I resolve to drink more water. Something rather small but so helpful in health.

I certainly would like to enjoy my family, friends, and patients through out the next decade. But, one overarching component of the circles, is finding some quality “me” time. So, my ultimate resolution is to make sure I find time for myself on a daily (not weekly or monthly) basis.

Be it exercising, reading, seeing a movie or walking on a beach, quality time with yourself is so important to emotional well being, which reflects on everything we do. Resolve to be good to yourself on a daily basis. It may only be five minutes or it may be a few hours.

You will see the return of your time investment with increased vigor, alertness and positive outlook. I will continue to resolve to have daily quality “me” time to relax, regroup and re-energize.

I will update you on my progress to keeping these resolutions.

Happy, healthy, peaceful 2010. Enjoy your journey.