Why I’ve Been Taking a Little More Time Away (And Why I Don’t Regret It)

If you’ve been a patient for a while, you may have noticed that over the past several months I’ve occasionally taken a little more time away from the office than I used to.

I wanted to share why.

As many of you know, CARE Chiropractic & Wellness isn’t a large clinic with multiple doctors. It’s just me. While I have an amazing massage therapist and a great team helping behind the scenes, every chiropractic adjustment you receive is from me.

One of the biggest advantages of that is consistency. Every time you walk through my door, you’re seeing the same doctor who knows your history, remembers your goals, and genuinely cares about how you’re doing. I wouldn’t trade those relationships for anything.

The downside, of course, is that when I’m away, there isn’t another chiropractor stepping in to cover for me.

I know that can sometimes be frustrating, and I truly appreciate your patience when it happens.

A Shift in Perspective

Over the last few years, something has changed in the way I look at life.

Maybe it’s getting older.

Maybe it’s watching my kids grow faster than I ever imagined possible.

Maybe it’s seeing my parents age and begin dealing with health challenges.

Or maybe it’s simply realizing how incredibly valuable time really is.

The truth is, time is the one thing we can never make more of.

We can always make more money.

We can always build a bigger business.

We can always work another day.

But we cannot create another birthday with our children.

We cannot replay family vacations.

We cannot get back the conversations we never had.

Once time passes, it’s gone forever.

That realization has become more meaningful to me than ever before.

Wisdom That Keeps Showing Up

One thing I’ve heard over and over from older, wiser people has stayed with me.

I’ve never once heard someone say:

“I wish I had spent more time at work.”

What I hear instead is:

“I wish I had spent more time with my family.”

“I wish I had taken that trip.”

“I wish I had been more present.”

Those conversations have made me stop and think about the kind of life I want to build—not just for myself, but for my family.

The work will always be here.

The people we love won’t.

Taking My Own Advice

One thing I talk to patients about almost every day is the importance of taking care of yourself.

Health isn’t just about your spine.

It’s about managing stress.

It’s about sleeping well.

It’s about moving your body.

It’s about spending time with people who make life meaningful.

It’s about finding moments to recharge.

Sometimes we all need a mental reset.

For me, that often comes through spending time with my family. Sometimes that’s traveling somewhere new. Sometimes it’s a weekend away. Sometimes it’s simply putting my phone down and being fully present with the people I love.

Ironically, stepping away occasionally helps me come back more energized, more focused, and better able to serve every patient who walks through my door.

Thank You for Understanding

I know having a one-doctor practice means there are times when my schedule doesn’t perfectly line up with yours.

Please know that I never take your trust for granted.

I work hard to be available as much as possible because I truly love what I do. Helping people feel better, move better, and live healthier lives is still one of the greatest privileges I could ask for.

But I’ve also realized that being the best chiropractor I can be starts with being the best husband, father, son, and friend that I can be.

Those roles matter just as much.

Thank You

If you’ve ever adjusted your schedule because I was away…

If you’ve wished me a great vacation…

If you’ve simply been patient while I spent time with my family…

Thank you.

Your understanding means more than you probably realize.

I promise I’ll continue doing everything I can to provide the same personalized care you’ve always received, while also remembering that the moments spent with the people we love are the ones we never get back.

Thank you for trusting me with your health, supporting my family, and allowing me to do what I truly love.

I appreciate every one of you.

— Dr. Mike Vilello
CARE Chiropractic & Wellness