Being kind is something we all learn as children. If you have children, you watch them and remind them to be kind to other children at the playground, in your home and other places where children meet. Yet, every day we hear about terrible things that people do to each other. It is so sad. Sometimes I don’t know what to say or do to change the direction we are going.
I am reading a book, The Four Winds by Katherine Hannah. It is about the people who lived in the late 20s-30s in the Great Plains when famers and others lost everything to drought, dust storms and bankruptcy as no one had any money. Many held on as they had hope that it would get better, but many left to make a new life for their families. They were poor, devastated, and desperate. What they found when they got to new areas was not kindness but hate. No one wanted ‘those’ people in their town. They felt they would ‘cost’ them too much money. It is a hard book to read, but really makes me think – have learned nothing from our history?
As a clinical nurse I worked in inner city hospitals in Philadelphia most of my career. I saw all different types of people who came to the emergencies rooms where I worked. I remember one time I gave a patient a sandwich and some juice as he told me he had not eaten in days. One of the nurses told me not to feed him as he will keep coming back for more. I could not believe she told me that about another person – she talked to me like I was feeding a dog and not a person. Another nurse said I cared too much. I remember thinking when the times comes that I do not care anymore it will be time for me to get leave nursing. I am glad to say I am still proud to be a nurse and I still care.
I hope this post will reminds you that in a world where you can be anything…..be kind.
Have a good week!
I couldn’t agree more Anne! When I was in school I was once told by a physician I was doing a rotation with to stop asking the patients how they were doing— he said the appointment would take too long then. Sometimes they would start to cry and he “didn’t have time for that”. I’ve always felt that a kind word, really listening, and a big dose of empathy did so much more for my patients than tweaking their blood pressure medicine
Thanks, Anne, for this good reminder. The last time I was in Key West (where my son lives) these little signs of kindness were everywhere. I would like to past them all over my town, too.
I have had so many road encounters with large black pickup trucks becoming so irritated because I obey the speed limits. Often they pass me on 2 lane roads with oncoming traffic. Terrifying. I think I shall look for that message as a bumper sticker, while I keep reminding myself, also to BE KIND!!
Anne,
All nurses should have the compassion you and I have had for many years by LISTENING, and not only examining/questioning, our patients/clients.
Well put Anne. Mr. Rogers once said, “There are 3 ways to ultimate success. The 1st way is to be kind. The 2nd way is to be kind. The 3rd way is to be kind.” All too often we underestimate the power of kindness, whether it be a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment. It’s the smallest of acts of caring that have the potential to turn a life around. So, you just keep on being you and the world will be a better place! Maybe even others will follow. (Grin!)
Well said, Anne! Your blogs are becoming weekly affirmations!
Thanks, Anne Shirley
This speaks volumes.
There before the grace of God go I.
Do unto others as you want done to yourself.
I find the more we lead by example, don’t engage with the negative, I feel better. My world is smaller, but those in my circle, we do teach kindness, tolerance, and all I ask is that you pay it forward to one person, and remember how you felt that first time you stepped into our facility, my gym that trains youth, wounded warriors and keeps them healthy, teaches them to deal with things in a healthy way, offers them community, and safe place to train, and maybe even an extra set of ears to just listen, male eye contact. It makes me smile every time a warrior, or youth member says “I want to keep coming back here, I love the community.” and the parents tell us its the first time in years their children have been excited about something, talked during dinner, and willing to challenge them selves in a way they never thought anyone would. They become men, women, strong confident, and this is my WHY. Sharing what I didn’t get as a child helps me heal.
In strength, LJ
LJ Thanks so much for your reply. You are doing good work in all your endeavors. Glad we are connected!
So simple. So beautiful. So realistic. So thank you, Anne.
It’s about compassionate care and nurses and case managers truly understand the importance of that responsibility. Thank you Anne!
Kindness and caring go hand in glove. When we are kind it lets people know that we care. when people feel cared for they gain the confidence to trust. As professionals we gain so much more from our patients when they trust–they open themselves to learning and their hearts to sharing, which allows us to help them.