Turn the dial, just a few millimeters. Change the direction: a green tree, a blue sky. Marvel at the prisms, colors, dimensions and complexity.
The simple toy is able to capture our imagination reminding us how each point of view is influenced by minor movements. In medicine as in life, each of us have unique perspectives and they change daily. It is helpful to recognize how a slight change in thought, knowledge, or circumstance will influence our choices. Since “the only thing certain in life is change” we should be open to all possibilities.
Just a few aging and healthcare examples: Many seniors have said, “I am never going into a home”. But now three cooked meals, socialization, care and attentiveness look better then loneliness and rigidly holding onto an outlived house. Patients often present with cancer and say, “never chemo!” But when the grandchild climbs onto their lap and holds their face in their chubby hands, their heart melts and they nod, “Do everything possible”. A newly diagnosed patient enters the center, looks around and sees others getting on with life not terrified or broken and now their spirit lifts with hope.
Doctors are taught to view every decision through a patient’s point of view but we bring our own prejudices and need for rescuing into the mix. This week Dolly is so frightened of side effects she almost says no to any treatment and her family are adding their own concerns to her fear. She doesn’t see a way out, but we implore Dolly to to trust in her own courage and a new prism of hope takes hold.
Even more complicated is recognizing that within your own circle of friends and relatives, even spouses, their viewpoint will not coincide with yours. I have had to tap into this awareness often in my career. Every single time I sit across from the person scared or suffering or questioning and open my own mind to their viewpoint. It takes practice and patience and we don’t always get it right. What I think I understood today will change for them tomorrow.
I offer to you this week just that wisdom. Realize the frame of reference for yourself and others regarding any situation is almost fleeting. Don’t get stuck. Know that you can change a view swiftly and without any effort. It is always available to you. Nothing is firm or fixed and options are everywhere. You are the one holding the viewer. Turn the dial and prepare to experience a new and wondrous change in life. Allow the magic to unfold for you.