When we think of Jim Carrey, we think of the slap stick comedian and actor best known for Dumb and Dumber, the Mask and Ace Venture:Pet Detective.  But you never know when someone can move you.  Jim Carrey gave a commencement address at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa last year that I just stumbled upon.  It was funny, silly, typical Jim Carrey but it was also genuine and he gave such sound advice that I found myself replaying a part of his speech to listen to it again.  He said to the graduating class towards the end of his speech, “You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance at doing what you love.”

For me this comment moved me and I thought back to medical school and undegrad.  It wasn’t easy, there were so many times I wanted to change to an “easier” major.  In med school there were countless times when up til 4 am studying that I thought to myself, “Why am I doing this!”  I thought that I must be a fool.  I should do something easier.  But like Jim Carreys statement, I did not want to do something for the ease of it or for the safety.  There was nothing in life that I wanted to be more than a doctor.  For me to be a female physician gives me such pride, I enjoy going to work.  I look forward to the simple thank yous that the parents and my little patients give me at the end of their appointments.  The thanks from the parents for my patience with their scared child or their child with autism whom never had a complete exam or evaluation due to his “behavior issues.”   They appreciate the little things like getting on the floor with the patient to talk to them and they take notice in the level of concern and sincerity I have for these families. And it is because I decided to Do What I Love.

I hope that our younger generation does this and that we, as parents, urge them to follow their dreams.  We are their guides in this life, their mentors, as well as their parents.

Have a Blessed Sunday!

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