“If there is no wind, Row.”

Good evening, Friends! We are getting closer to opening March 2022 - YAY!

ROW Health Co… What does that mean? In January of 2019, while driving over the mountains to Suncadia for a girls’ spa day, my mother and [one of my 3] sisters were dreaming about a wellness spa and medical clinic. This idea was discussed the entire trip there, while in the spa and pools, over a glass of wine at Swiftwater Cellars (which also is special to me, as it is where I got married), and then continued the whole way home. This was before the day’s before the word “wellness” was everywhere and COVID become a word. The beginnings of ROW Health Co. started that day. With each day I work seeing patients, it is clear to me I need more time. I need more time with the patients to continue to ask “why,” to continue to ask “how,” and continue to get to the root of the problem of concern. Without that, we cannot achieve true wellness. Finding the "‘Root of Wellness” is how I want to practice medicine, but it didn’t quite roll of the tongue quick enough… hence ROW.

It also seemed fitting for another reason. “If there is no wind, row.” This is a Latin proverb with a profound meaning. Sometimes the wind is in your favor, filling your sails and pushes you forward. While other times it causes incredible resistance or is just flat out not there, but in order to accomplish your goal of crossing the finish line, you need to row. It requires balance and perseverance. You have to be your own wind. You have create your own opportunities. you get to choose the direction you want to go. If you are not happy, only you can make the change toward your own happiness. If what you are doing now doesn’t bring you joy, ROW. Another quote that speaks to me is “the reason why most people give up is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go, instead of how far they have come. push hard.” I remember this all to clearly through my journey to medical school and beyond. it was a daunting task as a high school, knowing I wanted to be a doctor, but being faced with 11+ more years of formal education ahead before I can practice independently. I was barely half way done at the time I graduated high school. I have been rowing hard through the obstacles, and with grit and determination, I accomplished my goal to become a dual board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician, as well as international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). I am not yet at my destination. I will continue to row, harder than ever, as a new business over in a complicated medical world. While I enjoy the moments and beauty along the way, I also know that I need to do this. My community need me to do this. Change is hard; it’s much easier to stay where we are. It has taken me a few years to actually take the challenge, return to the waters, and row as hard as I can.

You are your own decision maker; you are the captain of your own boat. If you have a dream, row forward to make it a reality. Otherwise, you will be sitting in the middle of the lake, status quo. You can ask people to join you on the journey, but only bring those along who won’t rock the boat, who will work in sync, and help you row farther. Keep pushing forward. If there is no wind, ROW.

Be Well,

Dr. Stephenie Tornberg

The ROW Health Co., Snoqualmie, WA