Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of residency life or just a part of growing older, I find myself cherishing the small, simple moments more than ever. These are the pieces of life I look forward to, the quiet pauses, the unexpected joys, the connections that make the long days worth it.

Recently, I received a passing score on my USMLE step 3 exam. It’s a milestone I once thought would feel monumental, something I would celebrate with fireworks in my heart. And yet, as proud as I am, it doesn’t shine as brightly as coming home to celebrate my niece and nephew’s birthday. What once felt like the pinnacle of success – conquering exams, checking off milestones – now feels more like stepping stones, meaningful but not all defining.

Residency has taught me that accomplishments in medicine, as thrilling as they are, cannot replace the sweetness of life’s personal milestones. An exam doesn’t carry the same weight it used to; instead, it feels like an exciting challenge, a part of my growth. Learning unfamiliar topics fuels me intellectually but watching my family grow, laughing with loves ones, or savoring a quiet evening – that fills me in a different way.

I don’t think I would feel whole if I only had one without the other. Medicine and family, challenge and comfort, growth and grounding: they balance each other. In that balance, I’m discovering a peace I never expected, a reminder that life’s greatest meaning often hides in the little moments.