Wow, where did the year go? Surely you’re familiar with the saying, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Well, this year felt like the days were short too! I don’t know about ya’ll, but I can never seem to find enough hours in a day. There has been so much to be excited about over the past 12 months in eye care. For starters, there were multiple medication approvals from the FDA—from the lids all the way to the back of the eye. I’m not sure we have ever seen a year full of this much innovation! Plus, states continue to expand their scope of practice, so that we as a profession can broaden access for patients to experience great care. MOD Live doubled in size this year — and Nashville did not disappoint. New friendships were forged, and old ones strengthened. I encourage you to save the dates for MOD Live 2024: September 27-29 once again in Music City!
This is my favorite time of year. As the busy meeting season comes to a close, there are more moments to pause, reflect, and really take it all in. Embracing that time to review what went well for the year, what goals may have fallen short, and what is in my life that is no longer serving me that I should let go of, for me, is such an important process. It’s not easy. I don’t love feeling my feelings, and I definitely don’t love investigating my shortcomings, but investing time in the process has been pivotal for my success. Looking back for a moment allows me to see so much further forward. I do this exercise every year, and then take the time to explore and design the year through a vision board (this visual reminder helps me hold myself accountable). I also like to have one word that is my north star for the year, something that expands me and makes me stretch while contributing to those around me. For 2023, my word was “create.” Serving alongside Justin and Walt as co-chief medical editor has certainly let me create in an all new way, and I’m so grateful. It’s such a joy for us to read everyone’s amazing contributions. Know that you, authors and readers, inspire us every day with your thoughtful words, insights on how to improve the practice of optometry, and passion for our profession.
Take the time to explore and ask yourself some questions. What are you proud of yourself for this year? What skill set did you grow? What’s one thing you did differently that brought value to yourself or your practice? It doesn’t have to be big — little things can be wildly impactful with consistency and time. Did you increase your RPP? Maybe you set a new boundary that improves your mental health. Did you make a new friend or meet a colleague who enriches your life? Do they know they did this for you? If not, reach out and let them know.
My challenge for you is to find what you had the courage to change. Whatever it was for you in 2023, celebrate it and then look to 2024. Ground yourself in the present, but let your wildest dreams expand you, give you confidence, and drive you towards a new tomorrow! We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for us. Optometry is our profession, and together we rise.
Best wishes to all of you this holiday season!
— XOXO Cheers! Selina McGee, OD, FAAO
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