Posted on 02.01.10 by Sharon Lin, DO

Being a new mom is a bit like deciding to become an adult. I've always wondered what being an adult was really about. Lately for me, it means I need to make decisions about how I want to live, what I want to do, and what I need to do to get there. It's not like I've never thought about these things before, but now I feel the impetus to make firm commitments to myself.

1) Functioning Financially: I have to admit ever since I've been receiving paychecks in residency, I really have no idea how to properly manage the money I make. I know that this is not unique to me. Residents can barely cook themselves a meal each day, let alone think about their finances. Making money has allowed me to live day-to-day without borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars as I did in school over the entirety of my adult life thus far. My first step in taking control was deciding to go to the library on a golden weekend and check out a few books on money matters so that I could learn the lingo and figure out what financial products are out there. With a huge debt, a lame-duck bank account, and no foresight on investments, I feel every bit as inadequate and ignorant about my future as the next person. It is evident that if I really want to live out my dreams, I have to understand how to function well financially.

2) Functioning Osteopathicaly: When I was an undergraduate freshman at UC Davis, I was introduced to the concepts of osteopathic medicine and met several alumni who decided to take this unconventional route. I immediately was intrigued by the principles of osteopathic healing such as approaching the body as a whole, using the power of listening with our hands to understand the bodys function in relation to its structure, and to help the body in its own healing process. I am so proud to be a DO and to have the foundation of these guiding principles as I try to relate to my patients on a meaningful level. It is definitely not easy to live holistically or practice holistic healing, but it is a definite goal for me as well as the people I interact with.

3) Functioning as Modern Woman: I am the third generation of women on my maternal side who have worked full time both inside and outside the home. I watched my mother tackle multiple roles while still putting dinner on the table, managing the family's finances, and helping her siblings and parents on so many levels. She never had time for herself. It wasn't until she graduated from working that she started breathing fresh air, paying attention to her body, and discovering the joy of hobbies and spirituality. I'm trying to figure out what being a modern woman will be for my generation. Is working part time the solution? Can I afford to do that as long as I live a simple life?

I dont have the answers in front of me. I'm thinking about it, talking to people, and reading about it. Carving out the time to think about these issues is important to me, as much as being out in nature or getting together friends and family. Who knows how the future will play out, but I yearn to be in control of my own destiny.