You may think it asinine to write a blog post about a colonoscopy but don’t pooh-pooh the idea just yet. Here are a few lessons I learned about empathy from my first colonoscopy.
1. Receiving Empathy Recharges Your Ability to Empathize with Others
The procedure is nothing compared to the preparation. The day before you have to drink a half gallon of laxatives with four stool softener pills and have only clear liquids - that all sucked. Although, the receptionist at the doctor’s office gave me a very helpful tip: chicken broth at meal time fills you up like a meal.
After the prep, it was time to head to the hospital. My brother-in-law was kind enough to be my taxi for the day. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences at Harrington Hospital in Southbridge, MA. and today was no no different. They checked me in quickly and I was sent up to the third floor and given a johnny and yellow ankle socks with grippy lines on the bottom. I love those things! The nurse did the IV and offered me a warm blanket while I waited for the doctor. She really calmed my nerves. Soon enough, it was time to get wheeled down to the doctor and his team. Dr. Stagias was cheery and energetic. He distracted me by asking, “Brady or Mahones?”
The anesthesia nurse administered Propofol and I secretly enjoy the experience. I try hard to stay awake. I focus on how it washes over your mind - it’s so strong! It’s impressive. I tried to tell a quick joke but was knocked out before the punchline. Later, my son laughed saying the medical staff probably high-fived one another when I conked out before getting to my corny punchline. I regained consciousness gradually and a recovery nurse gave me a warm blueberry muffin - halved and with a pat of butter melting inside. It was the greatest thing I’ve ever tasted.
2. Living Your Life Purpose Gives You Strength in Challenging Times
On prep day, I worried about time spent in the bathroom but as the procedure time got closer, I began focusing on the more serious concern - what it I have polyps or colon cancer? Just a week before, a friend of mine was waiting on biopsies to return from the lab. When you go into a possibly life-altering situation, you start thinking big thoughts. If it all ends now - was I going after my purpose? How close am I in this moment to my mission and vision for my life?
3. Stressful Experiences Can Pave the Way for Creative Breakthroughs
While propped up in a hospital bed in the on-deck area, I did started reading “Fascinate: How to Make Your Brand Impossible to Resist” by Sally Hogshead. This is one of those books that comes along at just the right time. It connects a lot of loose ends that have been flailing about for a long time.
When I returned home from the hospital, I contemplated how kind everyone was to me through this experience. Suddenly, I had the idea for a support group for large corporations that’d be built upon the concepts in my book, “All the Hats We Wear: How Innovators and Visionaries Manage Their Time and Live Their Purpose.” Empathy will be the cornerstone of the group. I felt strongly that people would respond more to being part of a group than working individually. I scribbled notes as the ideas came.
Next, I brainstormed another concept related to journaling. The concept is titling each day’s journal entry - as if it’s a composition. It could be a memorable quote someone said during the day. Both of these ideas were hiding beneath the surface and needed the experience I went through to crystallize.
So, with this experience behind me, I pause to wish my friend well and I give thanks to the lessons about empathy and living one’s life purpose that I gleaned this week. I ‘m thankful to the hospital staff and my family. Before pooh-poohing this article, share an example of how empathy changed your life in the comment section!
Scott Snow is a Certified Life Coach and Productivity Expert. For more information visit www.allthehatswewear.com