For all of you Gray’s Anatomy fans – the October 18, 2012 episode got me thinking… and if you haven’t seen it yet, this isn’t a big spoiler but it has to do with the episode so you might want to read it later. 🙂

In this episode, a scene begins with Bailey cleaning a disgusting microwave and complaining about the residents.  She is practically in tears, scrubbing away when Dr. Webber comes in and knowingly asks what is going on – fully understanding that it has nothing to do with the microwave.

Finally Dr Bailey says, “He let go of my hand!”  She continues, near tears, to talk about how she was ready for the tears and hugs on her son’s first day of kindergarten but instead he saw a toy, let go of her hand and went on his merry way.

Dr. Webber explained that in life, people leave go of your hand.  The residents, the patients, your family… people whose hand you held for a time will at some point be able to let go.  It doesn’t mean they have abandoned you or don’t need you anymore.  It simply means you have your hand back.

Sometimes when you “get your hand back” – it’s scary and you aren’t sure what to do….

I really resonated with this scene since my son just went off to college and is absolutely thriving without me.  It was my job to get him ready for this step but after 19 years of being with him – it’s a little weird.  But now I “have my hand back” – more time to devote to things I want to do without worrying about his schedule and needs…

I plan to take Dr. Webber’s advice and think about what I really want.  To use the time I have been given to learn something new, do something different, try something new.

So if life has given you your hand back in some way – realize that it all depends on how you look at the change – it could be a very good thing for you!

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed