I just read a wonderful article written by a pharmacist-blogger who is leaving her job to move into a new area of pharmacy (link below). Her article wasn’t about her new career, though. She was talking about something kind a client of hers had done for her, and the warm positive emotions this action created for her.
This woman thanked her for her help over her years at the pharmacy and told her she would miss her, while wishing her well in her future adventures. And she made the extra effort to order a little Chakra meditation bracelet with pretty stones for her, as a meaningful gift.
The pharmacist wrote about how she was so very touched that a client would go to the trouble to say thank you for her service, something that she felt was just a regular part of her job.
I’ve experienced this too...
I think I related strongly to the article because, as I read it, I thought of the little binder I keep in a desk drawer with thank you notes tucked inside and I knew just what she was talking about. I had received these from pharmacy clients over the years who wanted to tell me they appreciated what I had done for them with something more than just spoken words. Occasionally, usually while looking for something else in my desk, I come across the binder and flip through the notes. But today, I experienced that same warm feeling just thinking about them, knowing they were there. I wonder whether the people who sent the cards and notes realize how meaningful they are to me...
More recently, I’ve been receiving similar gratification from you, my readers. I want to tell you that these comments are really appreciated and make writing more worthwhile for me. Blogging satisfies a child-like desire I have to help others, sharing information that might help solve a health problem or, better yet, prevent one. But it’s hard to know (other than through the dreaded “unsubscribes”!) whether I’m achieving or missing this goal.
Aiming for that “connection”
So, I really do want you to know that I love the 2-way conversation that a blog can be. I often guess that, if I find a topic interesting, you will too but I’m sure I miss the mark sometimes. Often, I see information on a topic that I know little about, and that inspires me to learn about it (keeps the brain in shape, you know!) Sometimes my interest comes from a conversation I’ve had with someone, a long-time personal interest, or, once in a while, I get a great question or info request from a reader. I research the idea and then I share what I’ve learned with all of you.
For example, right now, I’m reading a book on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It caught my eye because one of my children was diagnosed with this many years ago. The authors, who are both physicians and have ADHD themselves, explain that this condition is often misunderstood. Many people think of it as a disorder that only affects children, but adults have it too. They insist that it is really a set of traits, not a “disorder”. Yes, some of these traits can create difficulties for the person but others can give them definite advantages.
They say having ADHD is like driving a Ferrari that has very weak brakes... you just need to learn to control the ride and be able to stop or change lanes when you need to! And they offer the latest research-based ideas to do just that. Of course, sometimes you need these brakes for your fast moving thoughts, not for your muscles. ADHD doesn’t always involve hyperactivity, even though it’s in the name. So, stay tuned for a little summary of what I’m learning about ADHD, its symptoms, its advantages, and new treatments, in an upcoming blog...
All about communication
It helps me stay on track when readers let me know what they’re interested in. Sometimes I will research then write an entire blog to answer the question or request for information, and sometimes I’ll combine a few related questions that have shorter answers, so these responses will appear later. Occasionally, I have written a private reply.
However, I try to save all questions and suggestions until I’ve responded, even if it takes a while to find the best reader-friendly way to explain the topic (health questions can be technical). And of course, I always ensure the questioner’s privacy is maintained! You know: “names have been changed to protect the innocent”, as they say on the crime shows and, here, I try to change or just not mention anything else that could possibly identify a reader.
So, thank you to all those who have taken a moment to say they enjoyed an article or shared a potential topic for a future one! As it did for the pharmacist-blogger I follow, it really makes a difference to me and my energy and enthusiasm to continue...
But I want to leave you with the most important thought...
Kind words, compliments, and expressions of appreciation can really change someone’s life for the better. And it doesn’t need to be a formal note or gift. Acknowledge your appreciation of that grocery clerk who helped you find an item with more than a cursory thank you—say it like you really mean it—or pay a compliment to someone you don’t even know. It takes so little time and energy, but can make such a difference in their day. Too often, especially when working with the public, the only time customers will speak to an employee is to complain! I still remember the toll booth worker years ago in Orlando, who told us so very sincerely to just have a great day! You could tell he really meant it and this person I will never meet again has stuck in my memory for years...
And don’t forget your family and co-workers. I expect they could use a morale boost in their day too. Be that person who makes others feel better about themselves.
One last thing...
Please do take a moment to send me an email with that burning health question you always wanted to ask.... I’ll bet there are many others who are wondering the same thing and I’ll know I’m talking about topics that matter to you!
Now you just have a really great day...
This is the link to the blog I read, if you're interested in reading it...
Impact? -- Drug Opinions, Cynthia Leung https://drugopinions.wordpress.com/2022/04/30/impact/
