By Amber Campbell
The Lunar New Year of 2025 marks the year of the snake, a time that symbolizes shedding old skin and embracing renewal, transformation, and change. It is essential to evolve and grow, as this provides us the opportunity to recognize the strength of our character. As our current world climate has greatly transformed, the zeitgeist has altered how many people live their lives and connect with one another. In the past five years since the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, the world has undergone tremendous shifts, inciting many fears of the unknown and feelings of uncertainty. This includes the infrastructure of how we access health care and communicate with our teams, patients, and providers.
As healthcare leaders, it is crucial to create spaces for connection and integrative approaches within our teams that foster dialogue and allow conversations where voices are heard and feelings can be expressed. Whether through a water cooler chat or a town hall discussion, establishing environments that validate emotions and perspectives is essential during critical times when outside distractions compete for attention. Our workplace includes various generations, such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. It is vital to cultivate a communal space that nurtures connectivity among generations while promoting a compassionate and empathetic work environment during times of crisis and stress. By supporting our teams, leaders, and providers, we are also caring for our patients.
As we navigate the varying energies that arise in individual, social, and professional encounters, it’s imperative to remember the fire that burns within us all. There is strength and resilience within all of us. As we journey along our pathways through healthcare and beyond, it is vital that we remain grounded in our mission and values. Perpetual fears will loom during different waves of our lifetimes. It’s important to understand that not all fears are equal; there will always be times of upheaval that cause stress and disarray, but the real fear we are experiencing is the fear of loss. In times like these, it’s important to remember, “This too shall pass.” We made it through a global shutdown so that we can make it through anything with the right mindset.
At Sutter Health, our mission is “Caring for our patients first and always our people.” This remains our true north, and it is my personal 2025 action plan to emphasize the importance of prioritizing self-care and personal well-being in order to manage my energy and emotions. It’s about connecting with ourselves each day. This includes mindfulness practices such as walking, meditating, setting professional boundaries, and eating healthy. As we reframe our mental narrative, we can envision the strongest version of ourselves—the most capable version. This enables us to manifest and create a new reality for our goals and dreams to come to fruition. This is how we align our vision, and our North Star keeps us grounded with our purpose in life. It enables us to enjoy the journey and recognize that we are all innately guided and directed with the hope of reaching the right destination.
Embrace the change. Follow your North Star, which is fundamental for your teams and organization to foster a system of connection, integration, and resilience. There is a power that resides within each of us, teaching us to endure with fierce character and graceful poise as we continue this journey.
