BLOG: Gratitude – Don’t leave home without it

ByJohn D. Kelly IV, MD

We are endowed with free will. We decide moment to moment on the things we choose to give our focus and attention. Those of us who decide to focus on all the good in their lives enjoy a heightened sense of well-being and may become less prone to the ravages of burnout.

Cultivating the habit of gratitude may do more to buoy one’s spirits than any exercise, drug or elixir. In essence, practicing gratitude is an essential characteristic of a peaceful and joyful life.

Why aren’t we grateful?

Emotional pain prompts us to focus on scarcity and all that is missing from our lives. Whatever the source of emotional pain (old hurts, genetics, misfortunes, etc.), negative thinking is the underlying source of untoward feelings. Emotional pain is founded on a perception of lack and serves as a fertile breeding ground for envy, greed, pride and narcissism — the chief barriers to a grateful disposition.

The good news is we can master our thinking. This requires a decision to focus our awareness on grateful seeing. No matter the trigger or cause of negativity, a decision to direct our attention to all that is good in our lives will transform even the worst “bad hair day” into a state of peace and well-being.

Where is the gift?

What may appear as a misfortune may indeed be a true treasure. Recall that Albert Einstein once said, “I think the most important question facing humanity is, ‘Is the universe a friendly place?’”

In other words, do you believe the universe is conspiring for your benefit? Can you recognize there is always a gift or lesson in whatever befalls you?

A recent difficult case held many treasures for me. Rather than bemoan that the surgery took much longer than anticipated, I focused on all that I learned during this ordeal. Instead of beating myself up for adding at least an extra hour to the case, I directed my attention to what I was going to execute next time this type of case presented. Truly, the universe was working for me to become a better surgeon and for this I am grateful.

It is a matter of perspective. We all see the world through our unique lenses or paradigms. We reflect our internal values and beliefs onto everything and everyone we encounter. What may seem onerous to one, will be perceived a blessing by another.

I have had the wonderful privilege of engaging in service and educational trips to developing countries. These brief excursions have done more to bolster my gratitude index than any other experience. My service in a state-funded hospital in Nicaragua revealed poorly equipped ORs without air conditioning or adequate lighting. Surgical equipment was marginal and the OR staff was not experienced in sophisticated and contemporary surgical procedures. Power tools were at a premium, anesthesia appeared unpredictable and the implant inventory was merely a cardboard box.

This experience enabled me to consider my institution’s ORs with a wholly different perspective. I am so grateful for my air-conditioned, fully stocked and lavishly technologically adorned surgical suites. The nursing staff is exemplary and patients are anesthetized in hyper-efficient fashion.

I snicker when I hear colleagues complain about their “delayed start” or “lack of inventory.” If only they appreciated their blessings.

Habit of gratitude

For a behavior to become established into our lives, studies show it must be repeated regularly for approximately 2 months. The habit of a grateful perspective can be embedded into one’s thinking with patience, persistence and patience. Missing an opportunity does not seem to materially affect the habit-forming process.

Tomorrow try this

Create a “gratitude journal” and every day enter at least five things for which you are grateful. In addition, review prior entries on a regular basis.

Decide to become a “grateful seer” and recognize that the universe is always working to your ultimate benefit.

Devote some time to learning about the oppressive conditions that accompany health care delivery in developing nations. Your surgical center will take on new meaning.

“Accept whatever comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny, for what more could aptly fit your needs?” – Marcus Aurelius

References:

Emmons RA., et al. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2003;84:377-389.

Watkins PC, et al. Psychol Assess. 2011;doi:10.1037/a0021590.