How much perspective do we really need these days?

I mean, in the last few months, I’ve lost three friends (colleagues) to brain tumors, two to suicide and two to ALS, one just this morning.

Children are being slaughtered at their elementary schools by other children who apparently have lost their way. Every day there are shootings and car accidents and tragedies, so many of which could be avoided.

There’s war in Ukraine. And while we’re focusing there, there are wars just about everywhere in the world.

People being abused.

So the thing is that we shouldn’t lose our perspective.

At the end of the day, life is very short. It’s very fragile. And we should all take a moment to be grateful for what we do have and to love those who we really should love. And stop worrying about those who we shouldn’t, those who we think are important, including social media and Tik Tok. Yes, it’s fun and it’s way to connect, but let’s not obsess about this or anything that’s not important in life.

I’ll tell you what’s important in life. Your health and your family. If you have your health, you literally have everything. And if you have a family, any way you describe a family, then love them. Spend time with them.

As a physician, I’ve watched many people with bad illnesses and people die. And not once have I seen somebody on their deathbed say, Jeez, if only I had stayed in the office longer. Not one, but every one of them wish they could spend just a little more time with the people they love. Memorial Day weekends coming up. Summer is upon us.

Take the time to heal yourself physically and mentally, and please, not only love yourself, but truly give the love that your family deserves.