Have You Been Affirmed?

There is nothing that feels better than someone coming up to you, looking you in the eye, and sincerely telling you that you did a good job. It is human nature to crave approval from those around us and positive affirmation goes a long way. 

It had been a long, hard day and I was feeling insecure about my abilities and the outcomes of my 12 hour shift. High tension-high stress days can do that. I was ready to clock out and hang up the stethoscope for the night when the charge nurse stopped me to say thanks and proceeded to sincerely affirm my work for the day. It could not have come at a better time. I don't know if she'll ever know how much I needed that on that particular evening.

When was the last time you told someone they did a good job? When was the last time you complemented someone on what they were doing or simply who they are? We live in a culture that constantly beats us down and tells us we should be better, that we should be something other than who we are. 

 What if we practiced affirming each other and building a culture that appreciates who each one of us is as an individual and what we bring to the table? Try it sometime. Make it sincere and meaningful, but don't be afraid to tell someone that you appreciate them or something they did. If it makes your day, imagine how many days you can make by being mindful of the work of those around you.

Work, school, friends, family...whose work do you take for granted? That would be a good place to start.

What's in Your Control?

I never thought this would happen to me. I NEVER thought this would be me. Look at me! I'm a mess. How did this happen?

While they were under the influence of a large amount of alcohol, this patient's words rang so sincere and true through the tears. Have you ever looked around at your life and thought How did I get here? or Why Me? Maybe the circumstances were in your control and maybe they weren't. For this patient, they had passed the point of control and the was rock bottom. 

I can't imagine how you feel and I don't know how you got here, but the reality is that you are here and we are here with you. We are here not to judge, but to help you. The fact is that you're here. No matter how you ended up at this point, we cannot change the past. All we can control is how we respond to the situation and our actions from this point on. 

 Tear-stained eyes nodded back at me with a glimmer of hope as I exited the room. My heart truly broke for this patient. I remember times in my life where I felt completely lost and out of control. 

None of us like to be out of control. My mind then went to the election. I struggled to read Facebook because there was so much anger in the words on the screen. The only control we had was our vote. After that, it was out of our control and we are now called to trust. While we cannot control the outcome, we can control how we respond. Let us respond with optimism, grace, hope, and trust.

Life each day is brighter, sweeter, and meaningful if you can find the light and respond with a smile.