What You Do Makes A Difference!

Leo Buscaglia (also known as Dr. Love) was a cheerleader for life. He was most closely associated with the topic of love and human relationships, emphasizing the value of positive human touch, especially hugs. He passed away in 1998, but here is one of my favorite quotes from him -

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia

As a healthcare worker, you probably don't hear it enough, but I hope you remember that every act of caring that you do, every heart-felt word of kindness is appreciated. Your patient may be too sick to tell you, maybe the family is too wrapped up in the stress and trauma of the moment to say it, but it is appreciated. Even the small things are noticed, needed, helpful and appreciated. I know that we don’t do this job for the thank yous and the back-patting. If accolades and applause were our motivation we picked the wrong profession. In fact, this kind of work can feel very thankless at times; but I wanted every one of you to know that you are appreciated.

Like Dr. Love said, “the smallest act of caring... has the potential to turn a life around.”

If I had the time and opportunity, I would look each one of you directly in the eyes, call your name, and say - You! What you do makes a difference! You are appreciated!

So, I hope at some point today, you’ll look yourself in the eyes, take a deep breath, call out your name, and say to yourself, “Self, you are appreciated!”

What you do makes a difference!