Give the Best to get the Best

I got a Groupon to get my nails done, not realizing it was a solid 30min drive from my house. Oh well, it was a good deal and a once in a while thing. I planned ahead to be sure I would arrive on time and respect her time. Right before leaving she sent me a text "Running behind...". This was an hour before my appointment and I figured maybe she had the wrong number. Sure enough I show up on time to sit and wait for 20 minutes past the scheduled appointment. Is it because I have a Groupon? Who else is more important that she probably "squeezed in" at the last minute??

I was tired, traffic time was ticking closer, and I was annoyed. I had scheduled the rest of my day based on being in and out of there. Recognizing my impatience I took a deep breath to breathe out my frustration. Life happens. Yes, this had happened the time before as well, but I needed to give her the benefit of the doubt. 

She came to greet me calmly, peppy, and with a huge smile. My frustration was immediately shaken by her warm welcome. It's not like she did it on purpose. We chatted through the appointment and she did an excellent and quick job to where I was out of there before I had expected, even with the late start. 

As I walked out I shook my head at how silly and unnecessary my irritation was when I was struck by a thought: Is that how my patients feel sometimes? The thought made me laugh at how silly my emotions were.

On busy days I run around trying to give equal time and attention to all my patients, but when a trauma or stroke rolls through the door I drop everything for sometimes over an hour if I have to stabilize that patient. How do my other patients feel? Sometimes annoyed, some think "who is more important than me?", others frustrated and wanting an explanation....all the same feelings I felt today....

And yet, when I walk in their door with a smile, pep in my step, and an enthusiasm to return to their care after a delay, it tends to help break the irritation. A quick apology and brief explanation is usually welcomed when it is sincere. Then care is updated, completed, and the patient walks out the door or is rolled upstairs to continue the rest of their day. 

Sometimes I can't help what rolls in or what life brings, and at work I always like to think people will give me the benefit of the doubt. What a concept. Note to self to practice carrying this same spirit to give to others on a day to day basis.