A dear friend of mine, D, was recently unwell. She was still trying to push on with her daily work and ended up with a pneumonia.
Although I am not her doctor, I gave her strict instructions that she was to rest completely and some advice on how to get well.
When I went to visit her a week later, she was looking much better and as we sat down she presented me with one of the most beautiful gifts I have ever received – a hand sewn and hand embroidered sachet (it is filled with lavender and chamomile). I was so touched. She said, “Well you told me to rest, so I did and made this for you!”.
Time is our most precious commodity. The fact that she has taken so much time and put so much focus into making this work of art melted my heart. I shall treasure it forever.
Showing appreciation for someone does not have to be a grand or expensive gesture. It is the intention behind it that matters. For example, when a child gives you a drawing they have done, it is the biggest gesture of love they can show. I remember in the early hours of a night shift as a junior doctor, one of my very sick patients was thirsty but not allowed to drink. I sat with him for 10 minutes and cooled his face with a wet cloth and gave him a soaked sponge for his mouth and lips. His frown eased and his face relaxed a little. He could barely talk, but with all the energy he could muster, he locked eyes with me and mouthed “thank you”.
One of the essential qualities of the clinician is interest in humanity, for the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.
Dr. Francis Peabody, 1927
Human to human connections make a difference not just in a medical setting, but also in daily life. Sometimes what seems like a seemingly insignificant gesture to us can mean the world to someone else. Caring is a strength. Caring makes a difference.
Here are a few suggestions to try and put into practice.
- Hugs! The power of touch is incredible. Give someone a hug, just because.
- Give a compliment – it can be on anything. But be genuine. Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.
- Phone a friend just to tell them something funny.
- Hold the door for someone.
- Offer a smile.
- The list is endless when you start to think of things.
If you try any of these, please let me know how it went. I would love to hear.
Wishing you all health and happiness,
Dr. Maria