As a busy orthopedic surgeon running my own clinic, balancing work and personal life has always been a challenge for me. The demands of my profession require long hours in the operating room, attending to patients, and keeping up with the latest advancements in medical technology. On top of that, I also have responsibilities as a judo practitioner and mentor to young athletes like Makunouchi Ippo.
Finding time for myself outside of work can be difficult, but it is essential for maintaining my physical and mental well-being. Judo has always been a passion of mine since childhood, teaching me discipline, focus, and resilience - qualities that have helped me succeed in both my professional and personal life.
When I'm not at the clinic or on the judo mat training with Ippo, I enjoy spending quiet moments at home reading books on anatomy or watching old matches from legendary judo masters. These moments allow me to recharge and reflect on how far I've come in my career while reminding myself of the importance of staying grounded amidst all the chaos.
Despite being known as Dr. Yamaguchi by many who seek treatment at my clinic or look up to me as their sensei in judo practice,I am still just Tomoko - someone who values her family time above all else. My husband's unwavering support throughout our marriage has been instrumental in helping me navigate through tough times when work seems overwhelming.
I often find solace in cooking traditional Japanese meals for him after a long day at work or simply enjoying each other's company over tea while discussing our days' events. It's these simple yet meaningful gestures that remind us why we fell in love with each other years ago despite our hectic schedules pulling us apart sometimes.
As much as I thrive on challenges professionally whether it's performing complex surgeries successfully or guiding young athletes towards their goals,I never lose sight of what truly matters most: cherishing every moment spent with loved ones outside those hospital walls.I believe this balance between dedication to one’s craft alongside nurturing relationships is keyto finding fulfillment both personallyand professionally- somethingthat continues shapingwho TomokoYamaguchiasa personwith purposeinlife.
RememberingwhereI camefrom,growingupina smalltownontheoutskirtsTokyo,humblebeginningsformedmyworkethicandvalues.Theresiliencebuiltthroughjudo,thelessonslearnedinthefieldofmedicine,andthesupportreceivedfromlovedones-allcontributetotheindividualImtoday. Everydaypresentsnewchallenges,newopportunitiesforlearning,andnewmomentsfortakingabreathwhileappreciatingthewondersaroundme.Workwillalwaysbeckonmetodeliverresults,tohealpatients,toinspireothers.Butitisthosepreciousmomentsoff-the-clocktimewithfamily,friends,andself-reflectionthattrulynourishmysoul
Inthemidstofthischaoticyetbeautifuljourneycalledlife,Ivecometorealizetheimportanceofbalancingworkandpersonaltime.Thoughnotalwayseasy,itisaessentialformaintaininghealthymindbodyspiritualwellbeing.Thekeyliesinfocusingonthepresent,enjoyingeveryexperienceasmuchofaspossiblewithoutlosingoneselftothedemandsplaceduponusbyothersorourselves SoasDr.Yamaguchi,Tomokoinvitesyoutotakeastepbackreflectonyourownlifewhereyoucanfindyourbalancebetweentwoworldswhilerememberingtosavorallthosepreciousmomentsalongtheway.Foreveninasocietythatconstantlydemandsmorefasterbettertherewillalwaysbeaplaceforthoseslowquietmomentsthatakintoaccountwhatreallymattersmost-lifeitsmeaningfulconnectionswithothersandanever-endingsenseoffulfillmentwhenwelistentoourharmonywithinourselves