Gaslighting Makes Me Angry I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a woman, a person of color, a mom & a pediatrician (who cares for children), an empathetic introvert (who respects the feelings of others), or just a decent person—but the act of gaslighting makes me want to go “full cowling!” Not sure what “full cowling” is? I didn’t know either until my teens (with COVID-19…
Choosing Humanity Over Division and Distrust
Promoting Distrust The powers that be in this country appear to have a vested interest in keeping us divided, fearful, distrustful of one another and misinformed on the facts. Why is that? This desperate desire to stoke division and hatred among Americans is both obvious and intentional. Their actions remind me of the cruelly malicious, yet comically inept undertakings of cartoon…
Time For Change – Revisited
The Relevance of This Revision I wrote the original version of “Time For Change” in 2016. It’s heartbreaking and disheartening that this revision is still relevant in 2020. Time For Change – Revisited Crying over this type of violence, until we’re all out of tears Sadly watching, as outrage is replaced by fear Fear of indifference, fear of no change…
Humility Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day – Humility “Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker. Acting with humility does not in any way deny our own self-worth. Rather it affirms the inherent worth of all persons.” – Unknown
In Science and Medicine, Facts Matter
In Science and Medicine, Facts Matter In scientific research and evidence-based medicine, the data and facts should guide responses, decisions, therapies and treatment. Switching that order—choosing a “desired” outcome, then manipulating or doctoring the data to arrive at the outcome you’ve “chosen”—is both misleading and dangerous, especially when dealing with a highly contagious & potentially lethal viral illness, during a…
Learning From the Past – Comparing the 1918 Flu Pandemic and COVID-19
Looking Back in History As we navigate the current COVID-19 Pandemic, I’ve found myself looking back in history at the 1918 Flu Pandemic (Spanish Flu) to see what lessons could be learned from that outbreak and how it compares to what we’re facing right now. Top 5 Takeaways After reviewing several articles and the 1918 Flu Pandemic Historic Timeline on…
Making Mealtime Special and Helping Others In Need
Making Mealtime Special Making mealtime special can involve doing something out of the ordinary, like dusting off and using that “look-but-don’t-touch” teapot and teacup combo for breakfast. It can also include preparing meals as a family and eating them together around the table (or via FaceTime, if you’re unable to be with your family right now). Eating together as a…
Introverts and Virtual Small Talk Don’t Mix
Introverts and Small Talk Dear Extroverts (and Ambiverts)—I’d hoped to get through the COVID-19 Quarantine without saying this, but after receiving several invitations to virtual get-togethers (which I both appreciate and find stressful), I feel the need to share the reason why I (and other Introverts) may not “attend”… If introverts hate small talk at cocktail parties and other in-person…
The CDC Now Recommends the Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Mask Confusion There has been a great deal of confusion about whether or not we should wear masks in public during this coronavirus pandemic—and if so, what type? The CDC has recently answered that question by recommending the use of cloth face coverings in public settings (where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, like at the grocery stores…