COURTESY — Monday Motivational Meditation #393 — 2019-02-18

The true greatness of a person, in my view,
is evident in the way he or she treats those
with whom courtesy and kindness are not required.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, 1917-2008

American businessman, religious leader and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

COURTESY

When my patients are courteous to me, I like to take note of it. Courtesy can be like the sun on a cold winter morning helping us to be brave in the midst of challenges. Having manners is a way of being respectful and considerate. When someone is not feeling well, keeping their composure can be more difficult. All the more, then, when in the midst of not feeling well, the courtesy I receive from those I’m caring for makes me feel appreciated and supported. It makes me want to offer the same to them.

I know I’m helping because I want a cure to take place and many times that journey is perilous. The road, however, can be one where I can go about my efforts courteously and kindly. Saying “please” and “thank you” makes a difference. Interrupting with tact and care is a way of being respectful of my patient’s life that is more than the current illness he or she may be facing. Being courteous sets a tone for how care will be delivered. It’s another one of the usually unwritten protocols for helping my fellow human beings.

Courtesy is a gift. There are no fees charged for caring about others in a way that shows a generosity of character. When I stop by my patient’s room to let them know that my shift is ending or stop by their room in the midst of a busy day to ask if there’s anything I can do to help them feel more at home, it is something offered from deeper motivations.

Divine Love, help me to remember that my life is a gift. As I go about my work, inspire me to share my energies with kindness. As I show courtesy to those I serve, help me to remember that my behaviors reflect my attitude in life. AMEN.

ACTION: What are some of your “courteous” rules? How serious are you about being showing courtesy to all people? Do an assessment this week.

Janet Antonacci is native to Westchester, New York, where as a child her morning rides to school included views of the river she now calls her artistic muse. She made her career in advertising, and wrote and shot commercials all over the world. In a sense, leaving her job to raise two sons only marked the rebirth of her creative endeavors. She has continued to write-her work has been published by The New York Times and others-and study her original craft over the years. She presently resides in Ossining, a stone’s throw from the Hudson. It’s the river and the towns that surround it, the bleeding sunsets and the faces of the fisherman who cast into them, that speak most clearly to Janet as she continues to find new ways to do what she’s done all her life: uncover meaning and create art.

See more of her work: @janriverworksphotography at Instagram.

Thanks, Janet, for sharing your beautiful photos in this series we are calling “Thoughtfulness.”

Nursing Heart Friends,

The NHI team is all set to begin three weeks with students of Florida Atlantic University led by our friend Dr. Rhonda Goodman. This is our busiest time of year, but it’s the way we bring our heart of care to many communities that are underserved. The students who come have the chance to see the difference they can make for developing countries throughout the world and learn from the people they meet. They join the communities in partnership to foster hope and public health.

In the last years, I am proud of the efforts of our team to deepen the bond with the communities served by the groups that come to Guatemala. We have a Memo of Understanding with every pueblo that lays out what they can expect of us as partners with them. We have carefully worked out plans with the local leadership community, so when we offer services like cervical cancer screenings, acute care clinics, and wellness checks in grade schools, those services can provide the positive support that they are intended to provide. We are grateful to our partners and the local municipalities who welcome our help. You will learn more about them in the next weeks.

When we do nurse practitioner clinics, we provide Guatemalan doctors for each clinic, and all the medicines are free of charge. The teams are provided translation support and all transportation and meals. They sacrifice to help cover the costs through the program fees they pay. But, it is not enough to cover the costs. That’s why I continually invite people like you to be part of our team. Ten to twenty dollars per month can really help us. Would you consider supporting us to continue our work? Just click HERE to become part of the team. Thank you so much. Please send us energy and your prayers for our busy weeks ahead.

Peace,

“I am courteous to everyone
because I would like the same.”

Kenia Capellan, RN
Nicklaus Childrens Hospital Emergency Room Nurse
Miami, Florida
Primary 1 Family Nurse Practitioner
Florida Atlantic University