I think woman is a verb. As I’ve looked around at some of the incredible women in my environment and life, I’ve been awe-inspired by the examples of Moms, wives, entrepreneurs and single ladies I have. I wanted to touch on the wonderful support and cheerleading I receive from many of them, both near and far.

One of my pet peeves is seeing and hearing women tear other women down. I hear and see it on social media often. Oftentimes, we’re super critical of one another and make each other feel guilty for doing the things we do or don’t do well. We fat shame and body shame each other and diskuss how NOT to trust one another.

Fortunately, I’m part of some groups, online and in real life, such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; EmpowHER; Mocha Medicine; PMG (Physician/Mommy group); that always serve as a sounding board for various issues that may stress me out. I have girlfriends and 3 incredible sisters-in-laws who care for me, that although we don’t talk daily, I know always have my back and are there to help when I need them.

We take care of husband, boyfriend, partner, girlfriend, children, besties, friends, neighbors, pets….and then maybe… ourselves.

We cook, clean, prepare the week, plan the calendar, schedule appointments, do the baby’s hair, straighten up and hold down a full-time job.

We go to school, go to the gym, carpool, pick up, drop off and wipe noses and tears.

Wouldn’t you be exhausted?

I’m not sure I’d call myself a feminist, but I love the way women “woman”. I’m a fan of us and of how we do (or try to do) all of these things for the betterment of others. Just don’t forget you in the process. Don’t forget you have other sisters in the struggle to help support you. Ask for help.

You are not alone, sister – Docswiner

About Nicole

C. Nicole Swiner, MD, is a family physician, wife and mother of 2 in North Carolina. She loves taking care of the family as a whole—from the cradle to the grave. Her interests include Minority Health, Women’s Health and Pediatrics. For her undergraduate education, she attended Duke University and went to medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston, SC. She’s lived in the Triangle since finishing residency at the University of North Carolina and continues teaching medical students and residents as an Adjunct Associate Professor with the university’s Family Medicine department. When she’s not treating patients at Durham Family Medicine, she’s speaking in the community, writing, or spending time with her family. Her passion is making medicine “plain” to her patients, so that all people, from all walks of life, can understand how to take better care of themselves and their families. 

You can find Nicole and read more about her work at http://www.docswiner.com/