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Smooth Sailing Life: The Nautical Metaphor
Smooth Sailing Life: The Nautical Metaphor

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The Smooth Sailing Life™ Nautical Metaphor

The Smooth Sailing Life Nautical Metaphor Explained
Created by Linda L.M. Worley, MD

Sometimes you find your purpose in your lowest moments.


Completely overwhelmed as a physician and mother of young children, drowning in endless weeks of call within a broken system I longed to fix—only to be told to look the other way and work even harder—I retreated to the privacy of home, where tears wracked my exhausted body.

“I can’t do this. I’m capsizing!”

Finding me in that moment, he pulled me close and whispered, “Reef in your sails, my love. Reef in your sails.”

And in that instant, the Smooth Sailing Life Nautical Metaphor began to take shape.

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It is my greatest hope that the Smooth Sailing Life Nautical Metaphor will contribute meaningfully to your life journey, empowering you to experience a deep satisfaction, joy & inner peace for a life well-lived.

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My happy place!
meet linda

Welcome friends…

I’m determined, optimistic, and idealistic, with a hint of a rebel mixed in. I love to tackle vexing problems and challenges with unconventional solutions.

I adore our 4 legged critters, Ellie, Rutherford, Gwennie the Pooh Bear, Sejal, Peppermint Patty, and Lady Blue Eyes. I’m beyond proud of the two children we’ve raised and launched into the world.

I watched my mother make homemade bread long before there were bread makers, and have continued the tradition to this day. Sweet rolls warm out of the oven, are a neighborhood favorite!

It’s a blast being behind the camera capturing special moments to share.

When I hear a great cha cha, hustle, or Viennese Waltz, I’m ready to get out on the dance floor!

When I’m sad, I play moonlight sonata on the piano or cello.

I am blessed and deeply grateful for cherished friends, family, colleagues, and for being trusted by patients and mentees alike.

Learn more about Dr Worley
Dr. Worley, a leading psychiatrist, medical educator and wellness expert, has produced a beautiful, powerful and helpful tool for understanding and overcoming the problem of physician burnout.  It utilizes the clarity, fun, and capability of metaphor to cut through complexity and visualize problems, possibilities and solutions.  It can be a valuable navigational and spiritual aid for those who sacrifice to help reduce human suffering.
 
David A. Silbersweig, MD
Former Chairman, Department of Psychiatry 
Co-Director, Center for the Neurosciences
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Stanley Cobb Professor of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
Linda is truly a gifted coach. She brings so much warmth & wisdom to our sessions. One thing that I especially appreciate about my work with her is her ability to shed light on something I hadn’t previously seen or was able to connect the dots for me. Linda is kind AND direct. She has this way of using strategic imagery to really help make a fuzzy thought or idea feel more clear. I am so grateful for the clarity she helped me arrive at.
Andrea Gharritt
Registered Dietitian, Executive Coach, Entrepreneur
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