Acts of Kindness

Life is stressful - there's no denying that. We are rushing from one appointment to another, chasing our tails doing errands, work and still trying to play. In the age of instant communication, we don't like waiting for anything and allow frustration to overwhelm us when we have to wait. The stress and frustration builds and builds, creating discontent and anger. The people closest to us become the targets for our frustration, regardless if they are the source. More often then not, it's a missed placed anger at people who are doing the best they can under already stressful conditions.

I noticed that first hand last week when I was doing some errands and getting two prescriptions for Nick. One prescription was ready, but the other still needed a few minutes. Instead of getting mad that I had to wait, I took care of some other shopping and came back - a far cry from the reaction of the guy in front of me who became irate that his drugs weren't ready. After all, the doctor had sent the prescription over to them 30 minutes ago! Two different approaches, but only one that took the realities of working in a pharmacy or any service industry into account. 

Out of anything we do, waiting for medical care of any kind seems to create the most toxic environments. We are already stressed because of sickness, being around other sick people and the general feeling of helplessness that being less then healthy provides. Add in the fact that appointments aren't always on time and things get even worse. As someone who works in health care, I know that there's a host of factors that effect if appointments are on time. Every doctors office and specialty practice holds some times open for emergency visits - those circumstances that are outside our control. I've been the beneficiary of emergency visits - when the eye doctor appointment turns into an urgent referral to the retina specialist among others. I had no appointment, but still needed to be seen that day. That experience has colored my perspective when it comes to appointments and such. Instead of getting frustrated about waiting, I pull out my book and read. Getting mad at the office staff and nurses won't get me seen any sooner. It's easier to just smile and be kind.

Being kind - it's not that hard, but it seems so hard to put in practice. Holding the door for someone who's hands are full. Thanking someone for doing something for you. Saying hello, offering a smile. The simple things that we seem to have forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the instant gratification world. Being kind - it doesn't have to complicated like buying the drink for the person behind you, it can simply be letting someone with one or two items ahead of you in line at Costco. If we all worked these simple acts back into daily life, we'd be much happier and the community would be that much stronger. Anyone care to join me?