Dooley Noted: 8/24/2015
It’s not easy to get me to take a day off work.
I choose work over most things, because I love it and feel purposeful doing it. But, I realize I must strike a better work-life balance.
I’ve lived in NYC four years and had never attended a Yankee game.
So, when a dear friend (and devout Yankee fan) came to town, I seized the opportunity to take a day off work yesterday.
I’ve never been a baseball fan. But the way to get me into any sporting event is to talk biomechanics.
My friend described the different stances of the pitchers. We watched the arm move like the end of a whip, as the force was built from the ground to move into the opposite hand.
I watched the subtle changes in each batting stance and the laser focus of the catcher (who somehow never drops the ball).
I marveled with the lightning-fast reflexes of the fielders and basemen.
And then – it happened.
My conversation must have annoyed the gentleman next to me.
He didn’t ask if I belonged at that game. He assumed I didn’t, and I was getting on his nerves.
He asked to see my dugout ticket.
I breathed deeply and showed him my ticket.
I glared at him with all my fire and said, “Are you satisfied?”
Instead of addressing me – the person clearly irritated by his actions – he turned to my friend to explain feebly why he asked.
I stayed silent, ruminating that I didn’t belong there.
My first instinct was to check my work email.
It’s never empty.
There are always patients waiting for my help.
But if I cannot achieve a work-life balance, I can’t expect them to achieve one.
So, I sat there and breathed deeply.
I had just as much a right to be there as that gentleman.
I belonged there.
People walk into my environment often, and I do whatever I can to make them feel welcome.
The fan next to me was a reminder of who I didn’t want to be to the people in my company.
The fan also reminded me that my first reaction is not likely the most ideal one.
People will try to make you feel like you don’t belong.
They will want to spread their irritation like a virus.
They will attempt to get under your skin, because you have unknowingly gotten under theirs.
And these are the people that need your kindness the most.
You belong anywhere you find yourself.
Your company has the equal right to be there that you have.
I hope you never feel smaller or work to make others feel smaller.
I hope you work to know you belong – and they do, too.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
