Daily Gratitude: This quote contains great wisdom. Unfortunately, though, like most other wisdom, we humans seem to think that we know better. Better than someone else; better than the universe; just plain better than anyone or anything. It’s sad but true. We fear what we don’t know. But where did that come from. I don’t think we’re born with that or else babies would never walk or get into all the things they shouldn’t. So they must learn to be fearful, right? The adults are the ones who teach them to he afraid of things. And they do it so much that many children end up afraid of everything. It’s imposed on us by ANOTHER HUMAN BEING, not universal law. If we can just remember that we’ve been taught to be afraid, then maybe we can teach ourselves not to be afraid. It takes work but it’s worth it. Write down what you’re afraid of and see if you can figure out where that fear came from and why it’s still ruling you. Understand that and I bet your fear will eventually decrease. You just have to be willing to work for it.

Daily Gratitude: One 2 minute interaction taught me more about communication than I’d learned in school. When I say the word “iris” what do you think of? What pops into my mind immediately is that part of the eye called the iris. This is understandable since I’m in medicine. But there were two other people in this “iris” conversation. One thought we were discussing flowers and the other was convinced the discussion was about some computer system. None of us had bothered to define the term we were considering so the other two were left staring blankly. This was the best example of not knowing what playing field the other person is on. In your daily conversations whether they are big or small, important or not important, make sure you define the topic you want to be discussing. Give the other person the best chance to understand and learn from you, rather than giving you that “deer in the headlights” look. When engaging with another person picture an iris and that will remind you to make sure your definitions are understood by the other.

Daily Gratitude: How true this is. We applaud all those people who do something big that others can readily see. We proclaim them to be heroes. Why don’t we do the same for the single parent working 2 jobs and going to school so they can create a better life for their kids? Why don’t we deem people to be heroes when they are in a daily war against some chronic but invisible disease/condition such as chronic pain? We give shout outs to those with cancer for bravely trying to ward off the disease (and I’m all for that but there are others working just as hard) but not to the person who has become suicidal because they feel so alone – no one wants to hear about their daily struggles and they know it’s not going to end. The invisible nature of many chronic conditions keeps those people isolated and scared. They should be the ones we tout as courageous. Is this you? Is it someone you know? How can you celebrate their courage? How can others celebrate your courage? Take some time to think about the people you know. Do you really know them?