August is my favorite month of the year because I get to celebrate my birthday! Birthdays have always been important to me, mostly due to the time I spend in reflection. Every birthday, I take the time to think about what I have achieved and who I have become in the past 365 days (or 366 this year!).
Just as plants need water, soil, and sun to grow, our own personal growth needs nourishment. We can’t grow as people if we don’t nourish our souls. Over the course of this year, I can truly say that I have nourished my soul through the challenges of intern year of residency. Not only did I nourish my soul, but I found ways to grow as well!
Birthday Reflections
As I tend to do for my birthday posts, I’ve decided to outline 29 ways in which I have nourished my soul in the past year. I’m grateful to the family and friends who have aided me in feeling so joyfully at peace at this phase of my life.
In the past year, to nourish my soul I…
- Started a consistent schedule with my therapist.
- Spent more time in the Word of God.
- Set an intention to seek peace and contentment.
- Allowed God to direct my steps.
- Spent more time enjoying the moment.
- Allowed my joy to take up physical space.
- Danced around my condo. A LOT.
- Smiled for no reason.
- Connected with people who share my interests.
- Learned from others whose opinions differed from mine.
- Went to the beach.
- Hiked a ton!
- Took long walks throughout Philadelphia.
- Belted out gospel like I’m Tasha Cobbs (in my head haha).
- Took road trips to clear my mind.
- Ate the foods I like without worrying about weight gain.
- Stopped trying to be perfect.
- Grew my plant collection.
- Worked on decor projects.
- Spent purposeful time connecting with family.
- Called my friends more often.
- Read more books than I have since high school.
- Drank a cup of tea almost every night.
- Lit candles.
- Watched countless sunsets.
- Learned how to be a doctor.
- Remembered that being a doctor doesn’t define me, but it’s pretty awesome!
- Narrowed in on who I am and who I want to become.
- Accepted that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
We can’t grow as people if we don’t nourish our souls.
Thank you for the love and support that you continue to show as you come along for the #JourneyWithDrJordan.
I’ve come a long way personally and professionally since I started this blog. This birthday, I’m truly grateful for the soul-nourishing growth.
xo
Dr. Atasha Jordan is an Ivy League-trained psychiatry resident and businesswoman. Learn more about Dr. Jordan here. Feel free to say hello and be sure to subscribe to the newsletter for updates!
