Systole and Diastole.

 sys·to·le (sis-to-lee) n.

The rhythmic contraction of the heart, especially of the ventricles, by which blood is driven through the aorta and pulmonary artery after each dilation or diastole. 

di·as·to·le (di-as-to-lee) n.

The normal rhythmically occurring relaxation and dilatation of the heart chambers, especially the ventricles, during which they fill with blood.

 ____________________________________________________

The heart muscle contracts. It clamps down and gives momentum to the blood, moving it from atrium to ventricle and out through the aorta. Rhythmically tensing just enough to get things going where they need to go.

And also enough to keep them going.

They call this systole. 

And with systole, a lot of things have to work together. The pressure can't be too much or too little. Too much and the muscle starts to bulk up and will eventually tire out. Too little and the heart has to work double time to make up for it. The valves have to open at the right time and they must open all the way to let the blood through. Then, when it's time for them to close, those same valves need to shut tight and flush so that no blood escapes back to where it just came from. The atria and ventricles must work in concert.

For it all to go right and for us to stay alive, all of these things have to happen in perfect harmony.

But that's not enough.

Each contraction must be followed by a period of relaxation. A time that allows the blood to refill empty ventricles in preparation for the next contraction. Much like systole, this has to happen the right way. The muscle can't be too stiff. The pressure pendulum can't swing too far or too narrow in either direction. One part can't be moving while the rest is relaxing. It all has to be synchronous.

But most of all it has to happen. This period of relaxation must take place.

They call this diastole.

So today, I was just thinking about how work-life balance is a lot like systole and diastole. There can't be too much of either. Or too little.

For me, this is always a work in progress. On some days, I am a systolic all-star. Giving a talk at a conference, teaching on the wards, leading my small group, and revising manuscripts for publication all in the course of one week. I burn that midnight oil; I move and shake and watch things come together. I feel those slaps on my back and they serve as affirmations that I am getting it right and winning.

Winning. 

Sure. Sometimes my systole is so much fun that it tricks me into thinking it's really not that. But--whether it's fun or not--contract too much and it becomes palpable. Balls drop. That overwhelmed feeling starts to creep in. That's when I make myself get that necessary diastole. That time to regroup, refill and prepare myself to pump some more.

Yeah.

Now on the flip side, the relaxation thing can get out of hand for me, too. Just ask the BHE--I'm a master at putting off what I have to do for what I want to do.

Mmm hmmm.

And so. Much like the heart, the goal is to fight to get the right rhythm. Sustained. Rhythmic. Not too fast and not too slow. Not with too much pressure and not with too little. Contract. Relax. Contract. Relax. One and then the other. Not too much of one. Not too little of the other.

Just right.

Last week was a whole bunch of systole. Fun systole, but systole no less. I'm glad to love my work so much that the systole often masquerades as diastole.

So here are some images of my systole from last week. . . .

On 6A with Coach B's awesome daughter-slash-Grady nurse, Jessica!

The first take of my thumbs up for Leah--which looked like I was punching her instead!

Hugging Tammy, one of the best people in all of Grady history.

And of course, my bff David M.

This just made me think of something.

It's not enough to just have diastole. You have to take some time for yourself, yes. But just like the way it's necessary for the atria and ventricles to contract in sync, the same can be said about getting in rhythm with your loved ones. I think it's key to make every effort to line your diastoles up with the diastoles of those most significant to you.

Not every time. But as much as you possibly can.

Yes. Last week was one big ol' systole. But this weekend? Diastole, baby. Irrefutable, indisputable diastole. Three luscious days of it . . . . perfectly coinciding with the refilling periods of the ones who matter the most.

Lake effect sunshine in Georgia sure beats lake effect snow in Ohio!

With the one I love--my BHE.

Enjoying some non-medical literature--loaned to me by my Grady-girlfriend Stacy H.

Rehydration to prevent dehydration.

a face that makes me happy.

Synchronized diastole.

Part kindergartner, part T-rex.

Infectious joy.

Those swim lessons paid off.

Zachary was telling me that he won't forget me when he's a grown man. Swoon.

I believe him.

Their diastole includes electronics--which Mommy doesn't allow on school days.

I don't get it right every time. But sometimes? Man. Sometimes I get it right.

Food for thought:  

How are you doing with your systole and diastole? Are you lining up any of your diastolic moments with those who matter the most? And are they making the same provisions for you?

***
Happy Labor Day to those celebrating it. And Happy Monday to all o' y'all.