(KN from Chiba Prefecture/60s/Female/Nursing Care Staff)
I am working at a nursing facility. The residents have been feeling down since they cannot see their families due to Coronavirus measures.
Bright Smiles Blow Away My Tiredness
We hold a ‘Spring Festival’ every March, and I was a host this year. I wanted to cheer everyone up and make them happy in this difficult time when they could not see their families, so I asked the staffs to do our best to make the festival fun for the residents.
The day of the ‘Spring Festival’ was filled with bright smiles of the residents. I was physically tired, but their smiles were so rewarding that my exhaustion from preparing and running the festival were all gone.
Kokoro to Live for Others Rewards Us with True Happiness and Joy
Kami’s teaching made me think “I want to do my best for others.”
When my friend introduced me the job of a nursing care staff, I did not think I was fit for the job. I lost my husband early, and I could raise my two children only because I received many supports from others. I thought I was not capable to work for others as a nursing care staff while I have been living receiving so many supports from others and not been able to take care of my family by myself.
However, I learned that human beings are not meant to live alone; we are living supported by countless people throughout life and the joy of being alive exists in our connection to and support of other people. This awareness gave me a push to move forward to live with the kokoro to give back and working at the nursing facility was one way for me to live that way. As I work for the residents with Kami’s teachings in my mind, the heart of appreciation brought out; I could picture them working really hard for society when they were young and aware that we are here today because of what they have made for us.
Kami’s Teachings Show Us How We Should Live
It is important to harmonize with coworkers to create a good living environment for the residents. As Kami teaches us, I listened to others with an open mind; appreciating and cherishing the kokoro of others. This awareness was sensed by the coworkers, and I experienced that it created a good environment.
I realize every day how much I feel the joys of being alive when the residents become happy with my kokoro to give back. The sense of self-worth motivates me; my weariness is relieved at night and I feel a surge of power in a morning. Now I am hoping to be helpful for the residents more and more to see their smiles.
I experienced that our kokoro creates an environment. I am truly happy that I chose a life to work as a nursing care staff and have met the residents and coworkers.