10?!? That can’t be right?

No… I’m not talking about Bo Derek in Tommy Boy. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about… not to worry… it’s a fairly obscure quote!)

I’m referring to the number 10 in regards to years. Yesterday I realized that is was 10 years ago that I finished my education in England and was granted entry into this wonderful profession.

I remember fondly the years at school; as my mind has conveniently blocked the extensive hours of study and time spent with ones nose stuck between pages of a textbook or spending hours on end reviewing things in a study group or large room filled with adjusting tables. (Thanks to Nick for being my sidekick in all those situations!).

I did love school. It taught me many things outside the realm of what was on the lesson plan. I learned how to work with people. I was lucky to have people from all over the world in my class and therefore found out about the UK, Scandinavia, Most of Europe, Asia and the Middle east from those that would know best… their countrymen and women! It was a humbling experience as there were on a few North Americans in our school… so we got to “escape” the only thing we had known prior to that. (Granted… we all still got together to watch hockey playoffs at ungodly hours…)

What the past 10 years (10 since leaving school and 9 years since leaving Europe) have taught me is more about the people I meet here; in Canada. We are very lucky, I mean VERY lucky, to have a multicultural society. I always enjoy hearing about rituals, celebrations and daily life from the standpoint of a “New Canadian”, or first generation Canadian. I also have found out what it is like to be working in different aspects of my chosen profession. I have worked through the rigors of opening a business and making ourselves an established, known entity in Burlington, Ontario.

But…

Most of all I have learned gratitude. I thought I was thankful prior to working a decade in this profession. What I have learned along the way is that I have a lot to be thankful for. My patients who support me and that I truly love coming to the office to share warm hellos and smiles, sharing in their experiences of life. Whether it was weddings, births of children or grandchildren, retirements and more.  My family and friends who have been very supportive over the years. Heck… this profession actually introduced me to my wife (no… she wasn’t a patient!) and I’m eternally grateful for that!

However I think what I have found the most in 10 years is just how valuable health is. The saying “It is health that is the true wealth, not pieces of gold and silver.” by Ghandi is probably better understood now by me than ever before. I have watched and aided folks going through unthinkable challenges, both in practice and personal. It is difficult to watch at times; but I am thankful for my education which allows me to understand and explain to people what is going on and why. At times it gives piece of mind, at times it gives answers.

Thank you to my professors from grade school, Highschool, University and College. You taught me to think critically and to value education of the mind.

Thank you to my friends and family. You taught me to love and appreciate those dearest to you.

Thank you to my patients for showing me that choosing a life of service and gratitude was indeed the best choice I could have ever made.

I look forward to growing with you all for another decade (at least!)

Dr. Matt Lindsay, DC
Aligned Chiropractic – Burlington, ON