I was visiting my Mom recently in the hospital, and as I walked to her room each day, I noticed something specific.
Most of the staff – the doctors and the nurses – walked around looking very stern. Not just serious – which I could understand, because they were dealing with people’s lives – but stern. As well, they seemed to avoid any eye contact whatsoever. And I was just a visitor!
Could it possibly have helped the patients and the visitors to have a bit of a smile on your face? I know they want to appear solemn and respectful, but a smile could make a big difference!
I believe that how people are around you becomes infectious to you. I met a friend once, and she was in a bad mood simply because someone on the elevator she used to reach our meeting spot was in a bad mood and it “infected” her! It actually took her a while to “shake it off.”
Now, I’m not suggesting that the medical staff, or anyone for that matter, walk the halls in gales of laughter! But a smile could make a big difference!
And let THAT be infectious to other people around you!
You have no idea what difference that could make to someone. If they are having a bad day or even if they are having a good day, it might just make them feel that much better!
This is part of that body language that we have talked about before. And you have no idea – whether you know the person or not – what difference you could make to their day!
So please SMILE!
To Being Heard,
Linda