“Never forget that you are one of a kind. Never forget that if there weren't any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn't be here in the first place. And never forget, no matter how overwhelming life's challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world. In fact, it is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. So be that one person. ” ― R. Buckminster Fuller
I came home the other night after an evening work meeting out of town and I was excited to finally get to see my family after a long day. As I asked about each one of their days they responses got progressively worse. It was a downhill slide into negativity. Now, we can all have a negative perspective on any given day or any given situation. I am no different. However, as I listened to each person’s report of their day I finally challenged back that they each had to share one positive for the day. After a pause they were all able to refocus their mindset. There is good and bad in every situation it depends on how you want to look at it.
I know Steve shared a similar message a few months ago in a QEM regarding which lens you are using to view the world around you. These lenses dramatically affect our perspectives. In one of my recent rounding sessions the person chose to recognize a certain individual because they always have a positive attitude. They went on to share that it is difficult to not be positive when working with her and it makes for a great shift. I have decided this should be my personal goal. I am a long way from achieving it, but I am going to keep working at it. I want to be the positive influence in someone’s day. I want to be the person that made their day just a little better or a little brighter. Often, you as healthcare workers are these difference makers. You may not always know it at the time, but you touch peoples’ lives daily. So, your challenge this week is to wipe off your lens and let your light shine through. Go out and make a difference!
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” ― St. Catherine of Siena
