I got up early. I mean, real early. It’s the first day of my new job. And when I am nervous, I completely miscalculate reality. Like, it normally takes me thirty minutes to take a shower and get ready. But I scheduled myself an hour. And although Google Maps reassured me that the drive time to the hospital was a pleasant 16 minutes, I refused to believe it and I got in my car 45 minutes ahead of my desired arrival time. I drank four cups of coffee and chewed three pieces of gum. I arrived early and parked and walked to the lobby and only almost fell down in my heels twice. Dress shoes ain’t no OR shoes…I am a danger to myself in those things.

I was met with a familiar face, our Service Line Administrator (code: the guy who keeps our trauma team on track/productive/question answerer/champion/friend). First sigh of relief. He says, “I will show you around a little and let you get settled into your office. Do you need anything?” Umm, yes. I need help getting two boxes from my trunk into my office. The two boxes that have my precious few files and books and papers in them. The two boxes that are the only shred of continuity in this process. The two boxes that hold a few notes and letters and pictures that remind me why I am doing this in the first place. Because it was time to Reset. Because my old job was completely amazing and I am so thankful that a few new faces will be joining that team soon. But because this job is where I belong now. For me. For my family. For my future. For my legacy.

I am in the tremendously incredible place in which I am leaving behind a magnificent team and joining an equally impressive one. Who gets to say that? Super cool! But here I am, in a new city, in new (temporary) housing, waking up early, arriving too soon. If you have ever moved into a new place (home, office, room, etc.) look around you. Since you arrived, have you moved that picture, vase, box, basket? I doubt it. When you move in, you set something down, and the first place you put it, however poorly chosen that place is, will likely be it’s home forever. Because we usually just don’t take the time to rethink those original decisions. I recognized this two days ago when I moved into this little carriage house where I am staying for a few weeks. I realized that the spot where I placed my shoes, my coat, the fruit bowl, the coffee maker, would probably be it’s home for the next 12 weeks. So choose wisely. Thoughtfully. Intentionally. So when I started unpacking the boxes in my office, I had this in mind. Set it down once. This is where the phone, the stapler, the paperclips will probably live from now until…well, indefinitely.

So when I chose the home for the picture…the picture…the family….I chose the only spot on my desk that I will see all of the time. Look up and there they are. My husband holding me close. My children smiling and laughing and happy. They remind me that this Reset is about chasing dreams and loving one another through change. That we are constant. And that in the midst of change, they are first. And always will be.

Disclaimer: My viewpoints are not necessarily reflective of my employer, or any local, regional or national organization that I belong to. As a matter of fact, I pretty much just speak for myself. Please keep that in mind.