Time for Good News

In the next few days, the tradition of Thanksgiving will be observed

I would like to share a bit of information with you which I have done before but feel it is useful to do so again.

My office staff and I have team meetings and on occasion, the first item on the agenda is to spend 5 minutes and let everyone talk about good news.

The good news can be either personal or something related to the medical office activities. By discussing about good news at the beginning of the meeting, we are forced to think about something good no matter what else is going on in our lives.

You can imagine that it feels awkward and a little challenging for us to talk about good news when there are so many negative matters that could be focused upon such as high gas prices, traffic jams, aggressive drivers, too many bills to pay, kids getting in trouble at school, not enough time in the day, having to get up early to come in to work, and on and on and on. But when each of us have to force ourselves to talk about something that we consider good news, then all of the negative thoughts get pushed out of our minds.

Some of the good news that the staff mentioned included being grateful for the patients we are able to treat and help clear up their various problems. Other good news included that we were healthy, able to function in life, as well as the various family members that were part of our lives.

As I mentioned, It would have been a lot easier to complain and dwell upon the negative, but being forced to think about something good prevented this habit and the rest of the meeting usually works out positive even when discussing how to manage problems.

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, I challenge you to first think about good news that you have experienced this year in your life. And to make it really fun, write down at least 5 things that you would consider good news for yourself and keep these in mind as the holiday season approaches, no matter what else is going on in your life, always remember to focus on the good news first. If you so choose, share your list with immediate family members, relatives, or friends.

As you know, many individuals experience the holiday blues for one reason or another and the holidays become a time of despair. If you know someone whose life experiences causes them to become sullen or sad during the holidays, then coax them along to try this exercise as well. Even if they can only think of one item of good news, they will be better off for it. After they share their good news with you, share your good news with them.

Happy Thanksgiving—It’s Time For Good News!

Dr. W