A Place to Begin

I have always loved reading, particularly novels, and have always wanted to write.  This book club has been the inspiration and thrust I needed to put myself out into the world and to devote myself to my writing as I continue to work as a community organizer.  Beyond the book club I have sought to bring people, and particularly moms, together in different ways -- from socializing with moms from my kids’ school, to gathering runners for road races, to encouraging discussion among women of different faiths in order to support the shared pursuit of spiritual and religious growth in our families.

I wasn’t always such a people person.  Introverted and risk-averse, I originally pursued a career in medicine, although when I concentrated in neuroscience at Brown University I made sure to sneak in the requirements for a degree in English Literature as well, knowing I could never fully deny my desire to become a writer.  After graduating from Rush Medical College in Chicago I pursued a transitional internship in internal medicine and surgery at Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton, MA, followed by a residency in diagnostic radiology at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. I always had doubts about my career choice, and four months after my first maternity leave I decided to quit my residency halfway through and become a stay-at-home mom to my six month old daughter.

With a perfect, sleepy baby at home I finally had time to write.  I began to frantically churn out the rough draft of a novel. Life was perfect...except for the fact that I was disconnected from any community.

First through playdates and church events I began to form connections with those around me, mainly through my daughter.  I decided to step out of my comfort zone and make friends with anyone I met, most of those people women, and most of those, moms.  In less than four years I found myself transformed from an invisible radiology resident in a dark reading room to an eye-catching mother of four (a son and a pair of twin boys followed my daughter).  As it is fairly rare these days to raise four children in a small city house, I became rather well known at the local park and around the neighborhood.

Back in junior high my best friend gave me a huge basket full of pencils, legal pads, journals and books on “how to write”.  It remains one of the best presents I have ever received. Like sometimes happens with dreams, writing was pushed to the side for many years.  Today though, I am happy to announce the launch of my own website where I can write and encourage community bonding through avenues like book club.

Wherever you are in your journey, follow your abilities.  Stoke your passions. Remember that your paycheck doesn’t define you.  Your worth is innate, and your joy and satisfaction stem from what you create and share with others.