Gratitude is more than a feeling, it can influence real action. For Ashley Kerekes, her gratitude for how our community responded to the health crisis has reinforced her decision to build her life and surgical practice here. According to Ashley: “Difficult times tend to show one’s true character and either bring the best or the worst out in people. In this community, it brought out the best.”In so many ways, gratitude shapes our attitudes and motivates us to be positive, appreciative and connected. In healthcare it often brings patients and physicians closer. When you’re a patient, being vulnerable is reality. Being on the receiving end of great care, true compassion and experiencing your doctor or nurse go above what you expected leaves us with gratitude. It’s what we do with that gratitude that begins to really matter. According to Ashley: “When things get really difficult, having someone express their gratitude for all of the hard work that goes into their care really helps fulfill my sense of purpose and makes all of the rough days worth it. It helps to make me feel like I am doing what I am supposed to be doing and that I’m answering my calling.”
Project Gratitude is an ambition to better understand the role gratitude plays in our health journey. Learn more at ProjectGratitude.com or #JoinProjectGratitude
