Our days are often filled with a whirlwind of tasks, patient interactions, doctors, insurance company issues, audits, the latest gossip, and the constant hum of urgency. It's easy to get lost in the routine, focusing on the immediate needs and the next item on our to-do lists. But every now and then, something happens that makes us pause and reflect. It might be a simple phrase, a fleeting interaction, or a quiet moment that, in hindsight, carries profound significance. 

I was reminded of this recently while working in my office. I had some background noise on when a phrase caught my ear: “Sometimes you don’t know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” The truth in those words resonated with me, and I want to share them with you. In our constant hustle, it's easy to overlook the small moments that make our work meaningful. But those seemingly insignificant moments often become the memories that define our careers and touch our hearts. 

Think about it. When was the last time you paused to really appreciate a moment at work? Maybe it was a genuine "thank you" from a patient, a shared laugh with a colleague, or that instant when you realized you made (and continue to make) a real difference in someone's life. These are the moments that stick with us, that we look back on fondly years later. 

The truth is, we often don't recognize the value of these moments until they're in the rearview mirror. It's like Joni Mitchell said, "You don’t know whatcha got till it’s gone!” Isn’t that the truth! We're so focused on getting through our day that we forget to actually experience it. 

I have a friend who would say “Scott, you have to take the time to smell the coffee.” As O, P and P professionals, you have the unique privilege of being part of some of the most significant moments in people's lives. You are there for the first steps, or reduced pain, or independence, diagnoses and recoveries, triumphs, and setbacks. Each of these moments, big and small, has the potential to become a cherished memory - for you and for your patients. 

So, I challenge you this week to really pay attention to the moments in your day. Look for the beauty in the ordinary. Appreciate the small gestures. Recognize the impact you are making, even when it does not feel monumental. 

Because one day, you will look back on your career, and it will not be the long shifts or the paperwork you remember. It will be those small, seemingly insignificant moments that suddenly take on new meaning. The shared smiles, the words of gratitude, the lives you touched - these are the memories that will stay with you. 

In the words of author Cesare Pavese, "We do not remember days, we remember moments." So, make those moments count. Recognize their value now, before they become memories. Because in the end, it is these moments that make our challenging, rewarding, sometimes crazy profession so incredibly worthwhile. 

Remember, you are making a difference every single day, even if you do not always see it in the moment. So, take a breath, look around, smell the coffee (or glue), and appreciate where you are right now. You are creating memories - for yourself and for others - that will last a lifetime.