I’m leaving a legacy, while learning about myself

My career path has taken many turns, yet I have always considered myself first and foremost a writer. From the science fiction fantasies I wrote and read to my 6th grade class, to authoring and editing professional publications, I’ve always found pleasure in the written word.

A PATH TO THE PODIUM

During my time on the lecture circuit, young ODs often asked me how to get on the podium. My short answer: It all begins with writing. It wasn’t my epiphany. I had a mentor, Dr. Art Epstein, share that advice early on.

You want to be on the podium; you want your name out there? Okay, start by writing. Write about an interesting case you had; about how you handle management issues in your practice; there are any number of topics. If one interests you, I’d bet there are other ODs in a similar situation who could learn from your experience.

Movers and shakers in our profession read trade journals, so publishing is the quickest way to get your name in their view. Plus, it’s way cool to see your name in print. Stephen King said, “Writing is refined thinking.” I believe writing for professional publications made me a better clinician.

LEAVING A LASTING MEMORY

A few years back, I suddenly realized I had fewer days ahead than I had behind. I wanted to leave something of myself for my children. I had several novels I’d written over the years on my hard drive, so I decided to tidy them up and self-publish them. My first novel, “Coal Blooded,” was published in 2017. My second, “HELLIER” was published in March 2022. Both novels draw on my childhood and young adult memories, with a lot of embellishment. Writers call it artistic license.

My daughter told me she learns so much about my life from my novels. That admission validates my time and effort. These books are something she and her brother can share with their children. I’m not done; I have a few more. A memoir of my time as an optometrist, perhaps? I’ll have to outlive a few folks before I can pen that tale!

DISCOVER SOMETHING AMAZING

I write to tell a story. I invite you to tell your own. Author Natalie Goldberg said, “We all have a dream of telling our stories — of realizing what we think, feel, and see before we die. Writing is a path to meet ourselves.”

I’ve discovered a lot about myself as I write. Why don’t you give it a go? You may discover something amazing about yourself along the way. OM