After sharing my challenges in having candid communication with a chronically ill child, a wise friend and teacher offered these sentence starters. I wonder, I don’t understand, I believe, I hope. Divine assistance became possible in that exchange between friends, making a huge impact on many human and medical experiences that were to come.
At the time, my son Michael was struggling with accepting his rare disease and I struggled with how to help him. As his Mother I knew he had hidden fears and some unanswerable questions. Honestly, so did I. The dreaded seemed simplified by words starting as one thing usually leading to something else and allowing a deeper conversation that was difficult yet necessary. Those sentences starters unlocked emotions, bringing them out of the dark into the light. They turned wonder into understanding and believing, maintained hope.
The same is true in healthcare. Recent struggles between healthcare workers and the HMO industry is a perfect example. Representing the patient family perspective, Be The Change offers healthcare providers the same advice my trusted friend offered me.
Sustaining impact and real change occurs when:
- Wonder introduces open minded discussions about what’s possible when new options are considered.
- We understand what really happens to millions of healthcare dollars when patient family partnerships enhance a fiscally responsible and transparent system.
- All believe each one of us has to do better naturally resulting in a leaner process.
- Hope constantly surrounds our desire to improve.
In your life whether you are struggling with healthcare, a sick child or another challenging situation, begin a conversation with I wonder, I don’t understand, I believe, I hope. Do it quietly in thought or in a chat with a trusted friend.
Either way, possibility is sparked, wisdom is shared and others are led to Be The Change.
