Weekly Wellness 10/14/2020


The other day, while at the zoo, an old man was looking at me and my children. As my kids were climbing, arguing, whining, being kids, he was shaking his head with a seemingly annoyed look on his face.

As we went to the next exhibit, I looked back, and he again was shaking his head in disapproval.

I immediately got annoyed. How dare he? What right does he have to judge me? If he's so bothered, he can just go past us. That's where my mind went....

I saw him from a distance a short time later. I had a chance to watch him a little longer. His head was still shaking. His hand was shaking too. As he walked closer, I noted his gait was a little unsteady. My 3 year old ran in front him and I apologized. He said, 'Oh no problem. I'm in no rush. Let them play'.

I realized that the cantankerous codger was actually a kind old man, likely struggling with Parkinsons.

How often do we assume the worst in someone, based on our own preconceived thoughts or attitudes about them?

WEEKLY WELLNESS TIP: This week, try giving people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe what we see is partially clouded in our own preformed biases and thoughts. Our interactions with patients, colleagues, consultants, will likely improve if we approach them with a non-judgemental attitude.