(TK from Iwate Prefecture/Female/60’s/Nurse)
At the hospital where I work, there is a male nurse who is as young as my child. He is well-experienced to take the lead in nursing. However, he teases and makes fun of other co-workers during the working hours; which bothered me and made me think that he was insincere toward his duty. Due to this preconceived idea, I felt it was difficult to deal with him.
Putting Myself in His Place
One day, some complaints about a caseworker were made by a patient, and I told it directly to the caseworker. Then the male nurse became infuriated. I had no idea what was wrong, and agonized over the matter. But soon I began to think “What if I were in his place” or “He must have a certain reason to be infuriated like that,” and realized that I must have missed something. I decided to talk with him.
Build a Relationship in Which We Can Talk About Anything
I figured out that he was just about to tell the caseworker about the matter which needed to be improved, and he thought I was interrupting him. The more we talked, the more I understood his eagerness toward his duty, and I reflected on my preconceived idea toward him.
I apologized him sincerely that my action was rather forward and thoughtless. Then he was sorry for not telling his idea and losing his temper.
Since the day, we can talk about anything. I am grateful that I could always correct my kokoro to the right direction by continuously learning the teachings.
A Great Joy from Exerting a Good Effect on Others
The colleague now often comes and talks to me. He said, “There is a section which has many troubles and mistakes. I want to talk to you before I lose my temper.” I listened to him carefully considering his point of view, and gave him some advice based on my experience. He answered back with a shining smile, “I was going to make a complaint, but I could sort out my feeling, thanks to you. I will ask their mutual support to create a good flow.” I am glad to know that I can give someone a positive effect.
How much joy and meaningfulness we can receive when we perceive things from the right angle based on teachings of Kami. I am so grateful to experience the joy, and want to learn more deeply to make my life more meaningful.