Empathy

Nine years ago, an Australian hospice nurse and blogger shared insights gained from years of working in palliative care. Through her experiences with patients in their final moments, she identified a common regret among them: the wish that they had lived more authentically, true to themselves rather than conforming to the expectations of others.

Nearly everyone faces pressure to meet the expectations of friends, family, and society, leading to compromises that can affect personal happiness. Imagine how different life could be if we were less concerned about others’ opinions and more focused on our own true desires.

Clare Burnett, an 83-year-old hospice patient at Harbor Hospice in Johnson County, Kansas, exemplifies living authentically. Faced with the end of her life, Clare chose to fulfill a long-held desire: getting a tattoo. With her husband no longer around to disapprove, Clare seized the opportunity to finally get the Sylvester the Cat tattoo she had always wanted.

Fifteen years prior, Clare had a Tweety Bird tattoo on her left leg but had never managed to get Sylvester, her favorite cartoon character’s nemesis, on the other leg. “I had always wanted Sylvester,” Clare told Fox 4. “But my husband was against it when I got Tweety, so I never got around to it.”

This wish came true thanks to a special program at Harbor Hospice that helps patients fulfill their dreams in their final days. According to Tracy Bunch, a wish coordinator at Harbor Hospice, the program grants a range of wishes, from hot air balloon rides to meeting celebrities and attending concerts. Recently, the focus has shifted to bringing patients out of nursing homes and into their family homes for their final wishes.

Clare was transported to Midtown Tattoo in Kansas City, Missouri, where her tattoo artist took special care to ensure the process was comfortable for her. Clare was thrilled with the result, proudly showing off her new tattoo and expressing her satisfaction. When asked about others’ opinions on her tattoo, Clare’s response was clear.

“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Clare said with a laugh. “I think it’s gorgeous. Look at that red nose. He’s beautiful.”

Clare Burnett’s decision to pursue her tattoo is a poignant reminder of the importance of living authentically and pursuing personal dreams. For those of us who haven’t yet had such realizations, it’s worth asking ourselves: What is our own “Sylvester tattoo”? What passions or dreams have we postponed out of fear of judgment from others?

Clare’s story encourages us to embrace our true selves and take the leap towards what truly makes us happy.

 

Engaging in a conversation is a fundamental part of social interaction, but sometimes you find yourself in a chat with someone who just doesn’t seem to know when to stop talking. 

Whether it’s a colleague, acquaintance, or even a friend, knowing how to gracefully end a conversation without offending can be a valuable skill. 

Here’s a guide to help you exit these lengthy dialogues smoothly and tactfully.

1. Use Non-Verbal Cues

Sometimes, body language can be an effective way to signal that it’s time to wrap up. Shift your posture, glance at your watch, or start gathering your belongings. These subtle cues can indicate to the other person that you need to conclude the conversation without being overtly rude.

2. Introduce a Time Constraint

Politely mentioning that you have a prior commitment or need to get back to something can provide a natural end to the conversation. Phrases like, “I’d love to chat more, but I have a meeting in a few minutes,” can help steer the conversation toward a close.

3. Summarize and Transition

Summarize what’s been discussed and then gently steer the conversation toward its conclusion. For example, “It’s been great catching up on [topic]. I’m glad we had the chance to discuss it.” Following up with a transition like, “I should get going now,” helps signal the end of the conversation.

4. Be Direct but Polite

If subtle hints aren’t working, it’s okay to be more direct while still being courteous. A simple, “I’m sorry, but I need to wrap this up now,” can be effective. You can also express your appreciation for the conversation, such as, “I’ve enjoyed talking with you, but I have to leave now.”

5. Redirect to Future Plans

Suggesting a follow-up or future interaction can provide a positive closure. For instance, “Let’s continue this conversation over lunch next week” or “We should catch up again soon” can make the end of the current chat feel less abrupt.

6. Engage Others in the Conversation

If you’re in a group setting, gently involving others in the conversation can help you exit more gracefully. For example, “I’d love to hear more about this from [other person],” or “I’m interested to know what [someone else] thinks about this” can shift the focus and create a natural transition.

7. Express Gratitude

Ending a conversation on a positive note can help maintain good relations. Thank the person for their time and conversation. A statement like, “Thank you for sharing all this with me, I appreciate it,” can soften the conclusion and show respect for their enthusiasm.

8. Offer a Follow-Up

If appropriate, suggest a follow-up communication method. For example, “Let’s set up a time to continue this discussion,” or “I’ll email you about this later,” provides a way to keep the door open for future conversations while concluding the current one.

9. Be Honest About Your Limits

Sometimes, it’s best to be straightforward about your need for space. A gentle, “I’m finding it hard to keep up with all the details right now,” can be a polite way to signal that you need to step away from the conversation.

10. Use a Personal Excuse

If you prefer not to address the situation directly, a personal excuse can work well. Mention that you have to attend to something urgent or that you need a break. For instance, “I need to take a quick call” or “I have to grab something from my car” can provide a polite exit.

Conclusion

Ending a conversation with someone who talks nonstop doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. By using these strategies, you can gracefully conclude the chat while showing respect for the other person’s enthusiasm. Remember, the key is to balance honesty with politeness, ensuring that both parties leave the conversation feeling valued and understood.

 

Summer often evokes images of endless sunshine, fun with friends, and carefree days by the pool. But for some children, summer brings a different reality—hunger. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 kids in the U.S. faces food insecurity, a problem exacerbated when they lose access to school meals during the summer months.

Even as school resumes, food insecurity persists. For many families already facing financial difficulties, the struggle to afford groceries has intensified, making it harder to ensure everyone has enough to eat.

What can you do to help alleviate this issue? A straightforward action at the grocery store can make a difference and benefit those in need and your family. By choosing O Organics products during your regular shopping trips, you can contribute to the fight against food insecurity.

You might be concerned that organic foods are more expensive, but the price gap between organic and non-organic items is narrowing. Organic products are often nearly the same price as their non-organic counterparts and can even be cheaper than some brand-name non-organic options.

Since 2005, O Organics has been dedicated to offering affordable organic options and now supports the fight against hunger. For every O Organics product purchased, the company donates a meal to someone in need through the Albertsons Companies Foundation to provide up to 28 million meals.

Here’s how it works in practice:

Imagine hosting a summer BBQ. You’ll donate four meals if you buy O Organics ground beef, hamburger buns, ketchup, and potato chips. Adding O Organics butter lettuce and sandwich pickles would contribute two additional meals, and so on.

The meals provided through this initiative go to local and national charities that combat hunger, with regional branches selecting the organizations to receive the funds. This means every O Organics product you buy helps someone in your community who may be struggling to get enough food.

No child should worry about where their next meal is coming from. By making conscious choices at the grocery store and opting for O Organics, you’re supporting a healthier lifestyle for your family and contributing to a crucial cause. It’s a simple way to make a meaningful impact.

 

Despite being the world’s wealthiest country, the U.S. saw around one in six people relying on food banks and community programs for their meals last year. In 2021 alone, over 9 million children, or one in eight, faced hunger.

Understanding this problem is crucial for finding a solution. Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the country has released its second annual Elevating Voices: Insights Report, focusing on insights from those directly experiencing hunger.

Here are the top four insights from individuals who face hunger:

Hunger Remains a Critical Issue Despite Economic Recovery

Recent reports suggest that the economy is rebounding from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this recovery is uneven, and many people are still struggling. Rising grocery prices and the end of pandemic-related federal aid have exacerbated financial pressures. For instance, Massachusetts resident Donnette McManus notes, “Even though you have your list, you have your budget, things are changing quickly. Your salary can’t keep up. So, you get to the store with the same list; the same ten items can cost you 50% more.”

Ending Hunger Involves More Than Just Providing Food

Addressing hunger isn’t just about ensuring people have access to food—it’s also about tackling the underlying economic challenges. Jennifer Estrada, an advocate from Wisconsin, highlights that hunger is often a symptom of broader systemic issues. “As much as you work, the system is set up for you to continue in a cycle of food insecurity,” she explains. Unaffordable housing and insufficient wages contribute significantly to food insecurity, suggesting that effective solutions must also address economic stability.

Hunger Affects Diverse Communities and Is Tied to Broader Inequities

Hunger can impact anyone, regardless of their circumstances. However, it disproportionately affects certain groups, including people of color and those in rural areas, due to historical and systemic inequalities. Additionally, the stigma attached to seeking food assistance can discourage people from accessing the help they need. Washington, D.C. resident Kimberly Harris shares her experience, saying, “Many times, you feel like you’re not even a human. You’re just a number to them.”

A Movement Is Needed to Eradicate Food Insecurity

While hunger remains a persistent issue, the tools to address it are already available. The 2023 Insights Report emphasizes that treating hunger as a critical issue and mobilizing resources are essential to eradicating it. To contribute, visit FeedingAmerica.org/ElevatingVoices to read the full report and sign a petition urging Congress to pass legislation to eliminate hunger in America.

By working together, we can transform the wealthiest nation into one where everyone can thrive, and no one goes hungry.

 

Christmas and Chanukah are often celebrated as part of the season of giving, but Halloween also brings joy by handing out candy to neighborhood kids. However, one man on Reddit might just earn the title of Halloween’s Scrooge due to his frustration with children from less affluent areas trick-or-treating in his upscale suburb.

It’s hard to imagine someone being upset about kids trick-or-treating on Halloween, but that’s precisely what this man expressed on the AITA (Am I The A**hole) subreddit. He asked if he was wrong for being bothered by the influx of trick-or-treaters outside his neighborhood.

The man shared that, over the past few years, he and his neighbors have noticed an increasing number of children coming to their neighborhood for Halloween.

This trend has led some residents to stop participating by turning off their lights, yet the number of visitors keeps growing. His annoyance didn’t sit well with his girlfriend, who argued that Halloween is about sharing and that it shouldn’t matter whether the kids are locals.

She also pointed out that some children might come to their neighborhood because their areas are too dangerous for trick-or-treating.

The man described the scene with cars lining the streets, some with out-of-state plates, as his suburb is just over a state line. He questioned whether he was wrong to be annoyed by parents who bring carloads of kids to trick-or-treat in a neighborhood they don’t live in.

The response from commenters was overwhelmingly critical. One particular comment was succinct and pointed: “Yep, and sorry about your privilege,” it read.

Another commenter elaborated, explaining that he isn’t obligated to hand out candy or give more than he can afford. If he doesn’t want to participate or runs out of candy, he can turn off his porch light and continue his night. However, deciding which kids deserve Halloween treats makes him “an a**hole.”

The commenter asked him to imagine how it would feel for a child to be turned away, mainly due to something superficial like their skin color or economic status.

Others noted the challenges of trick-or-treating in urban areas. Many families live in neighborhoods dominated by apartment buildings and businesses, with few single-family homes, making it hard to find places to give out candy.

One commenter pointed out that these children are just as deserving of Halloween fun as those from wealthier areas, suggesting that the man’s attitude might stem from unexamined biases.

A few people did agree with the man, feeling that an excessive number of trick-or-treaters from outside the neighborhood could be overwhelming.

One person mentioned a nearby area that attracts thousands of extra kids, calling it excessive and suggesting that only some of these children come from underprivileged backgrounds.

It’s disheartening to think that some people envy giving candy to kids from disadvantaged areas. Still, seeing many others stand up for the spirit of giving that Halloween embodies is heartening. When celebrated with the right attitude, holidays can be an excellent way to bring people together.

Despite its spooky theme, Halloween is fundamentally about the joy of seeing children fill their bags with candy and toys, sharing in a night of fun and mischief. This joy should be available to all children, regardless of their parent’s income.

 

Nurses are known for their compassion and skill, but even they have tasks that make them roll their eyes. Everyone has chores they dread, and for nurses, some tasks feel like the medical version of doing laundry. The daily grind includes a mix of caring for patients and tackling the less glamorous tasks that come with the job.

From paperwork to cleaning, these duties often test their patience. They juggle way too much, all while keeping a smile on their faces. It’s time to shine a light on those 11 tasks that make nurses wish for a magic wand to make them disappear.

1. Cleaning bedpans

Cleaning bedpans is a task that many nurses dread. It’s not exactly featured on anyone’s list of fun activities.

First, there’s the lovely aroma that can sneak up on you. Nurses often joke that their sense of smell takes a vacation during this chore.

Then, there’s the technique. Balancing a bedpan while trying to keep everything contained can feel like a circus act.

Lastly, they can’t forget the reminders of why this job is necessary. It’s a vital part of patient care, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy!

2. Changing adult diapers

Changing adult diapers is often a task that nurses would rather avoid. Picture this: they gear up, ready for an exciting day, only to face the reality of diaper duty.

It’s not just the smell. Sometimes it feels like a wrestling match with the patient. They might wiggle, squirm, or even try to make a quick escape.

There’s also the challenge of trying to maintain dignity. Nurses do their best to be respectful, but it can feel awkward.

At the end of the day, this task may not be glamorous, but it’s all part of keeping patients comfortable.

3. Dealing with Difficult Family Members

Nurses often find themselves facing family members who are more than a bit challenging. They might be upset, anxious, or just plain demanding. It’s like hosting a reality TV show where everyone thinks they are the star.

Some family members expect nurses to have all the answers. They want updates faster than a speeding bullet. Meanwhile, the nurse is juggling multiple patients.

Other times, a family member may argue over treatment options. This can lead to some interesting conversations. The nurse has to balance being calm and professional while managing an emotional rollercoaster.

It’s all part of the job, and nurses often keep their sense of humor intact. After all, laughter can be the best medicine for everyone involved, including the nurse!

4. Handling aggressive patients

Nurses often find themselves in the ring with a heavyweight champion—an aggressive patient. It’s like a daily call to fend off a grumpy bear that thinks it’s missing its favorite snack.

The good news is that nurses have their own tricks. Some use humor to lighten the mood, while others turn to techniques that focus on staying calm.

Every encounter is a chance to show superhuman patience. After all, it’s not every day you deal with someone convinced they are a karate master.

5. Charting endless paperwork

Nurses often find themselves drowning in a sea of paperwork. It feels like they need a life raft just to keep afloat.

Every shift brings a mountain of charts to fill out. Writing notes, updating statuses, and tracking meds can take hours.

Sometimes, it seems like the paperwork multiplies. Just when they think they’re finished, more forms appear out of nowhere.

With all this charting, time for patient care gets squashed. Nurses joke that they are secretaries with stethoscopes.

6. Keeping up with hospital politics

Nurses often feel like they’re in the middle of a soap opera. The drama can be intense.

From administrators changing policies to departments clashing like rival teams, it’s never a dull moment. Understanding who’s on which side can be a full-time job in itself.

They might wonder if they signed up for patient care or a reality TV show. It’s hard to keep track of who likes whom and who’s plotting what.

In the end, nurses just want to focus on their patients. But here they are, navigating the politics of the hospital like it’s a maze.

7. Administering enemas

Most nurses would agree that administering enemas ranks high on the “least favorite” list.

It’s not just the procedure itself. It’s the awkwardness. Nobody wants to be the subject of someone else’s bathroom escapades.

Then there’s the timing. Finding the perfect moment can feel like trying to land a plane while juggling.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Nurses often have to explain why enemas are necessary. “Trust me, this will help” doesn’t always cut it.

Despite the challenges, nurses handle it with a mix of professionalism and humor. After all, they take their jobs seriously—even if their patients don’t always see the funny side.

8. Managing medication errors

Nurses often find themselves in the middle of medication error chaos. Imagine checking a chart and realizing that someone has taken double the dose of their favorite pill. It’s like a math test gone wrong.

They meticulously track everything, but mistakes still happen. Adding a dash of humor is a way to cope with the stress. Who needs drama when you can chuckle about that time someone mistook sugar for a sedative?

Staying calm is key, even when tempers start to flare. After all, the only thing more confusing than medication names is trying to pronounce them during a busy shift!

9. Working Night Shifts

Nurses often joke that night shifts are like living in a vampire movie. They work when most people are sleeping, which can be exhausting.

The night shift brings a unique set of challenges. Fighting off sleep while trying to care for patients can feel like a balancing act on a tightrope.

Some nurses find themselves talking to machines more than people. It’s just them and the beeping monitors, which can get a bit lonely.

Plus, there’s the classic midnight snack dilemma. A nurse can only eat so many granola bars and cold cups of coffee before craving a full breakfast.

Night shifts can be tough, but nurses know how to laugh it off. They make the best of it, one caffeine-fueled moment at a time.

10. Constantly washing hands and getting dry skin

Nurses wash their hands more than a chef at a five-star restaurant. They do it to keep germs away but end up with hands that feel like sandpaper.

Each scrub, rinse, and dry takes its toll. Lotion helps, but sometimes it feels like putting a Band-Aid on a sinking ship.

Despite the inconvenience, they keep washing. Healthy patients come first, even if it means having hands that crack and bleed.

11. Being understaffed and overworked

Nurses know that feeling when the shift starts and there aren’t enough people to help. It’s like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle.

They end up working extra hard just to keep things running. Tasks pile up like dirty laundry, and the stress levels soar.

When they have to run from room to room, it feels more like a race than a job. They laugh to cope, saying, “I should’ve trained for the Olympics!”

Being understaffed makes everything tougher. Nurses want to provide great care, but sometimes it’s just not possible with too few hands on deck.

And some extra on “The Daily Grind” front

Nurses face many tasks each day that can be tedious and frustrating. A few of the most dreaded include navigating bureaucracy and managing overflowing charts.

Navigating Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy is like a maze with no cheese at the end. Nurses often find themselves lost in endless paperwork and regulations. They juggle forms, approvals, and policies created by those who likely forgot what it’s like to work on the floor.

Each shift often requires them to fill out multiple documents. These include patient reports, medication records, and insurance forms. It can feel like solving a puzzle without all the pieces.

Getting signatures and approvals can turn a straightforward task into a multi-step process. Nurses might wish for a magic wand or a superhero cape to help them cut through the red tape.

Handling Overflowing Charts

Overflowing charts are like a monster under the bed—terrifying and hard to escape. Nurses have to manage piles of documents, both digital and paper, while keeping track of patient histories, treatment plans, and notes.

Those charts can stack up quickly. Each patient adds more to the load, creating a mountain of paperwork. It’s like playing Jenga, except the tower is made of patient information.

Finding the time to complete all the charting while caring for patients can be a real challenge. It often leads to nurses feeling overwhelmed. Many wish they had a chart fairy to wave a wand and make their charts disappear!

Nursing Challenges Outside The Ward

Nurses face a set of unique challenges when they step outside the ward. From managing multiple tasks to juggling shifts, these challenges can put their skills to the test.

Mastering Multitasking

Nurses are pros at multitasking, but throw in some paperwork, phone calls, and a surprise fire drill, and it gets tricky. They often find themselves answering questions while trying to find a missing chart.

To stay sane, they use tricks like:

• Sticky notes: They have them everywhere!
• Timers: Reminders for everything from meds to lunch.
• Prioritizing tasks: Figuring out what’s urgent versus what can wait.

This challenge keeps them on their toes—there’s never a dull moment!

Juggling Shifts Like A Pro

Shift work can feel like a circus act without a net. Some nurses switch from days to nights, making their sleep schedule look like a giant puzzle. Trying to catch enough sleep between shifts can be as demanding as the job itself.

Nurses often tackle this by:

• Creating schedules: Planning their week like a chess game.
• Power naps: Short snoozes are the secret weapon.
• Staying active: A quick walk helps recharge.

It may feel chaotic, but these professionals find creative ways to keep their balance, spinning plates as they go!

The adoption hearing in Bernalillo, New Mexico, concluded with Jennifer Hubby officially becoming the legal mother of her 5-year-old stepson, Cameron. However, Cameron’s heartfelt remarks at the end of the proceedings genuinely highlighted the deep connection between mother and son.

During the hearing, Judge Cheryl H. Johnston asked if there were any final statements. Cameron surprised everyone with his response: “I wanted to say that I love my mom so much and that she’s the best mom I’ve ever had,” he told the judge, according to USA Today.

Jennifer was visibly moved by Cameron’s words, prompting him to offer her a comforting hug. This touching moment was captured in a video by Milly Davies, Jennifer’s best friend, whose emotional reaction can be heard as she filmed the scene.

Jennifer shared her experience with Good Morning America, reflecting on how the moment captured the essence of their bond. “The judge asked if there were any final comments for the record, and we decided to record it. I said something minor because I was nervous and eager to see the final decree. Cameron, noticing my nerves, whispered to me, ‘Can I say something?'”

It was courageous for Cameron to speak up in such a formal setting, which can be daunting for a child.

Jennifer recounted, “When he said, ‘I love my mom so much,’ I started to cry. My head dipped as I began to weep, and he turned to comfort me. It was an incredibly emotional moment. You could hear others in the room tearing up, and the judge’s reaction was, ‘Oh, my gosh,’ followed by her encouraging words for Cameron.”

Judge Johnston responded warmly, “It’s important to express love and show that you care. You’re fortunate to have that love, and it’s what we should all be doing.”

For Jennifer, this adoption represented a significant milestone. She had been a part of Cameron’s life as his stepmother since birth and wanted to ensure she had legal rights as his mother in case something happened to her wife, Kim Hubby, Cameron’s biological mother.

The adoption process was lengthy and costly. As noted by Child Welfare, domestic adoptions in the U.S. can range from $25,000 to $45,000, with approximately 117,470 children waiting for adoption as of 2020. The Hubby family faced a long wait, with their adoption process extending over six months.

Cameron’s brave words and Jennifer’s emotional response illustrate the profound impact of adoption in uniting families. There is hope that in the future, the adoption process will become more streamlined and affordable, allowing more families to experience this meaningful joy.

 

What about giving birth prompts others to feel entitled to share unsolicited advice? While receiving guidance from family and friends can be manageable, some of the most intrusive comments come from strangers, whether in person or online.

A recent experience shared by a mother highlights how unsolicited advice from strangers can lead to significant anxiety. In a TikTok video, creator Young Mi Mayer recounts how a stranger scolded a young mother for not dressing her toddler warmly.

Mayer explains that babies and toddlers effectively communicate their discomfort and pain to their parents. She shares with her followers, “For those without children, it might not be obvious, but babies and toddlers are naturally inclined to show any signs of discomfort to their caregivers.”

The phenomenon of “mom shaming” is nothing new. It’s been around as long as there have been parents. Despite its long history, the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations, including those of strangers, remains intense. Mayer reflects on her own experiences with her now 8-year-old son, recalling how she would experience severe anxiety every time she left her home.

This anxiety stemmed from the need to ensure that her child’s clothing was appropriate for the weather to avoid criticism from strangers. Mayer recounts being told her baby needed sunglasses due to the bright sun. While it’s clear that shouting at strangers is unacceptable, many mothers have faced similar situations.