Torrential Rain and Choices

Dooley Noted: 12/12/2014

On Tuesday, the New York rain came at me in all directions for the entire day.

I watched people’s umbrellas turn inside out.

I observed as people were tossed around and lost their balance.

We cannot fully prepare sometimes for what hits us.

I watched as people grumbled and complained as their clothes got wet and their hair became tangled.

I felt myself join them for a second.

Then I had a thought.

Would my students and patients care more if I had wet hair or clothes, or if I had a nasty, negative attitude when I helped them?

So, I chose the former.

I laughed as the rain tossed me around.

As it pelted me, I laughed and yelled, “That’s brisk, baby!”

I walked into the lab and into the office, both times laughing and drenched. And yes – the students and patients noticed my disheveled look.

But they smiled and laughed with me as we studied and talked, moved and learned.

I made a choice that didn’t just affect me. It changed the people with whom I was honored to interact.

The rain won’t change the fact that your attitude is your choice.

As always, it’s your call.

– Dr. Kathy Dooley