I’ve started this message multiple times, struggling to capture exactly what I want to convey. After some reflection, I realized that my difficulty is a metaphor for the state of our country right now — a time filled with chaos, distractions and a lack of focus.

Open a newspaper or scroll through social media, and we’re bombarded with a mix of memes, rhetoric and often discouraging news. This constant flood can feel overwhelming, only adding to our internal stress and confusion.

It’s safe to say that none of us has witnessed this level of turmoil in our lifetimes. Inflation is rising, impacting housing, food, transportation and healthcare. With cuts to healthcare coverage, egregious misinformation and soaring insurance premiums, healthcare, in particular, feels under siege.

So, what do we do in the face of all this? How do we find the positives, if any?

I recall taking a philosophy class in college, where I first encountered the concept of the “dichotomy of control.” This idea suggests that by recognizing what we can control versus what is beyond our influence, we can reduce stress and live a more tranquil life.

In reality, the scope of our control is narrower than we might like, but it’s still significant. We can control our thoughts, judgments and the actions we choose to take. However, we cannot control others’ behaviors, external events or outcomes beyond our reach.

In times when it feels like the world is spinning out of control, it’s tough to maintain this perspective. But I’m trying, and I hope you are too. Focus on what you can control, particularly the positive impact you have on your patients. People come to you in times of need, and they leave better for having seen you. You offer calm and relief when others are sick and struggling.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I know I’m trying to focus on what I can control — areas where I can make a real difference. Sometimes, amidst uncertainty, the best we can do is find our own peace.