We sincerely appreciate our caregivers and we thank them often. The work they do, their devotion and our work have brought tenderness into my life. I often tell my coworkers that my job has changed me. I am not making that up, anticipating my next raise!
Back in the dark ages, I found socializing to be awkward, embarrassment-inducing and
beyond my reach. Growing up, I had one best friend and tried to avoid large groups of people. Instead of taking acting classes, I pursued costume design. Instead of public speaking, I wrote stories. My roommate in college was a friend from high school. You get the idea. Both having a very extroverted young daughter and then turning 50 helped to jump start my transformation.
Two and a half years ago, I joined Caring Companion Home Care as an Administrative Assistant. I am happy to have furthered my skills in organization, management and now as directing the Seacoast Maine office, for this caring company. Over this time, I have interacted with approximately one hundred caregivers and clients. Add to that my training in dementia and voila! I have become gentler, kinder, more empathetic and I can connect with others in a more meaningful way. I now love speaking with people in any situation. I challenge myself to find at least one thing that we have in common in the first five minutes. Living in New Jersey growing up usually does it.
"Thank you" is a phrase I use on a daily basis. While this phrase may come automatically, it makes us all feel appreciated. I have started going further. Besides saying it to coworkers, I try to use it on unsuspecting bystanders.
“Thank you! I really appreciate this.”
- to the woman who ran after me with my coat, sunglasses or purse I left behind
- to the grocery guy who helped me find soy milk
- even to the doctor after a flu shot
- to the harried waitress who delivered my meal, even after waiting a long time to get it
- to the people washing dishes after coffee hour and even to the minister!
“Thank you for making this meeting more enjoyable.” - to my fellow board members. “Thank you for the work you did organizing this group.” Thank you for being the Chief of Police in my town.”
“Thank you for answering my questions.”
“Thank you for making me your friend.”
“Thank you for being my sister.”
“ Thank you for loving me.”
It's Thanksgiving season, a perfect time to start. I invite you to be more verbal in your “thank yous”. Perhaps think back to a teacher or mentor who spent time with you, a doctor who helped a family member. Think about sending them a card or calling them. I hope that you will find out that thanking others will connect you to them, even in ways you cannot see. I know It will change you, as it has changed me.
