Be Aware of Others

Friday was a delightful day. Usually they are notorious for being the busiest day at work but for some reason this week it felt more like a weekend. When we're busy it can feel very solitary, moving from task to task and not being able to chat with colleagues or spend as much time as we'd like with patients.
Yesterday I had time to chat with both and it was a real treat. The team spending time together builds morale and helps people feel valued. Spending more time with patients gives you time to do all the "value added" stuff, or just talk with someone feeling lonely.
I love my job so much, even when it's difficult, and days like this are a reminder of what a tremendous team we have, with the most remarkable group of patients. Part of my routine at night is to pray for the people I've worked with and cared for. Last night my prayers were filled with joy and hope.

Be aware of others

I very often go around in a little bubble when I'm out and about. I'm pretty task focused so making the effort to take in the people around me today was really good for me.
I decided I wanted to (mostly) pray for people I didn't know- random strangers in the supermarket, those serving me in shops and also someone I know but wouldn't usually think about praying for.
Thinking about the people you encounter casually, who you know nothing about, helps you to see them as more than a passing stranger. You remember them,  you hope they had an ok day and you hope they're not going through difficult things in their lives.
Praying for them not knowing their circumstances can be tricky so I usually use a prayer which goes along the lines of:
"Father God, I thank you for this person and I pray that they may have wholeness of body, mind and spirit, and that they feel an awareness of your love at work in their lives. Amen."