Milestone Reflections
Milestone Reflections
There have been two significant birthdays for me this year and it has put me into a constant state of reflection. I look back at who I was, what I have accomplished, my challenges, failures, triumphs and the lessons I have learned from it all. I examine the present. Who I am now, where I am in my life at the moment, wants and needs, relationships, what is important to me. And I look forward and plan the future, the direction I want to go personally and professionally. How do I make myself a better human? How can I contribute more to my community?
2017 has brought with it my 40th birthday and the 5th birthday for ellephysio. Both reasons to celebrate. Both reasons to sit and reflect. The clinic is an extension of myself. It is difficult for me to separate the two, and so, you get a sneak peek into the the life and times of Karen San Andres, physiotherapist, owner and operator of ellephysio, aspiring rock climber, recreational yogi, mental health advocate, empowerment junkie, outdoor enthusiast, dog and elephant lover.
Looking Back
Since planning and opening the clinic in 2012. It is quite unbelievable what has happened to the business and I.
Before ellephysio welcomed its first patient to its brick and mortar location, I was quietly working from my home. I had been approached by a colleague at this time to partner and open a clinic together. I had known before even entering physio school that I wanted to own my own clinic eventually, this seemed like a great opportunity to take the plunge. Fast forward through putting together a business plan for the bank, scouting out the perfect location and signing a lease, completing leasehold improvements while continuing to work full time, as well as complete my courses to qualify for my CAMPT fellowship, a bomb was dropped in my lap. Roughly 6-8 weeks before we were set to open, my then business partner decided to pull out. The risk was just too great for them to overcome the fear. I was shell-shocked. I remember calling my mom to tell her, crying, and her asking me, so concerned “What are you going to do hija (daughter)?”. I blew my nose and said, “I’m just going to have to work harder”.
And that is what I have done. I have busted my ass over the last 5 years to fill my space, my second home, a place that vibrates high, with like-minded practitioners, exercise professionals and staff. I have learned that right fit is more important that impressive resume. I am not a boss, I am a colleague, a mentor, a friend. We don’t just work here, we’re a team, we’re family.
Over the past 5 years I have successfully completed my fellowship training and exam through CAMPT, taken nearly 20 continuing education courses, hosted courses here at the clinic, finished 3 Tough Mudders and a handful of other obstacle course races with friends, staff and patients, completed my lead climbing test and have begun rock climbing outdoors, and have been invited to be a teaching assistant with Diane Lee as well as Pelvic Health Solutions – opportunities that have taken be as far as South Africa! In this time, I also separated from my husband (the best for both of us), sold our home and purchased a new home for me and my new single life, started dating again after being out of the game for over 15 years, fell in love, got my heart broken a few times, experienced anxiety/panic attacks followed by some serious bouts of depression, had changes to several friendships, became ill with a parasite and discovered that my hormones were completely out of whack due to outrageous stress levels – high cortisol levels for the win. Ugh.
It hasn’t been all fun and games. The focus however, has always been on the learning.
Being Present
I am on a journey of endless self discovery. Every challenge, trial, mistake and failure is an opportunity to learn more about myself. I have learned that although I might suffer from acute episodes of anxiety and depression, I am mentally strong.
Despite near financial ruin, hard work and hustle can and do pay off.
Integrity is not a trait that everyone posses. Not everyone will treat you the way you would them.
Your parents will always think of you as their baby. Mine are willing to do anything to help and support me.
Sometimes love just isn’t enough.
Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It can change your entire outlook on life.
Do not take your health for granted. We only have one life. Live it large!
I surround myself with people that lift me up, vibrate high and that I can look up to and admire. I have my own mentors and coaches. I talk about my struggles because we all should. With sharing comes vulnerability and with vulnerability comes growth and healing. It is a magical thing, to open yourself up to others.
I have to practice being present. It is a constant challenge not to look back and the past and not to worry about the future – to be here in this moment and grateful that you are experiencing it.
Aspirations for the Future
Deep breaths. Deep inhales and exhales. That is my future.
I am committed to myself, my health – both physical and mental, to my clinic in providing the best working environment and nurturing our little family, to my patients in giving you the best of myself in order to help and guide you to your best selves, reach your goals, embrace life; and to the community, in giving back in any small way that I can.
Our world is an exchange of energy. My mission is to put out and resonate as much positive energy that I can. I’ve come to the realization that I was made for this. I was made to lead by example, survive by example, be resilient by example, manifest happiness by example….to love and live large by example.
Cheers to many more milestones to come and all the reflections that come with it.
