Physicians and nurses are analytical, it’s how you figure out what’s best for your patients. This analytical skill can be used for your own development too. Along the way, you may notice areas of disappointment and irritation. Not to be self-centered, but forgiveness of self may be at the heart of being able to forgive others. “If we can forgive ourselves it’s a wonderful thing. I think it’s probably our lack of compassion with ourselves that makes us so upset with others.” Alexandra Asseily
Physicians as a whole are viewed by others as being in positions of knowledge and power. When patients are in need, they want to trust you and the team of caregivers. As the population ages and the health care problems become more entrenched disappointments are inevitable. At times these can lead to physician and nurse burnout. “Forgiveness doesn’t excuse their behavior. Forgiveness Prevents their Behavior from Destroying your heart.” This phrase can be applied reflexively too.
Energy is wasted when you hold onto anger and disappointment and harbor negative feelings, holding these toward yourself will inevitably spill out toward others. The remedy is letting go, and being willing to forgive. Having self-compassion can help you have perspective on the limitations that exist within medicine and for you personally. Working with a skilled healthcare coach, can speed your progress.
Below are my 4 Rs of Forgiveness. To learn more, check out my post on September 11, 2014.
- Recognition – With reflection, recognize your part in the situation.
- Responsibility – Take responsibility by stating what you recognize, perhaps first outloud to yourself and then to the others you may have impacted.
- Remorse – There is very little incentive to improve your actions if you accept things with indifference. The discomfort of remorse prompts a desire to change, so that you can reclaim self-respect.
- Response/Repair– What’s next? Beyond a sincere apology, ask yourself, “What is a repair or the change needed?” Use this information to implement a better future. You’ll uplift your heart and perhaps the heart of another. Whatever the change is to be, remember that change requires conscious effort and may need to take place in small steps overtime.
So what’s the benefit of all this? Sincerely asking for forgiveness from yourself and others is like de-cluttering, it removes psychic weight, and prevents destruction of your heart. In so doing it frees you up for your revitalized life.
Let us know a time when self-forgiveness has uplifted you. Click on the text bubble on the linked page.
To reconnect with your well-being and live with ease in alignment with your values, contact me directly.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
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