Make Us Smile!

Do you ever look forward to seeing your family doctor? I have to see my family doctor once in 16 weeks and really look forward to having the consultation. I would smilingly report to him about my setbacks in physical and mental wellness since the last consultation so that he can help me add years to life and life to years.

Today was the date, and when I checked in and peeped at my family doctor's schedule, I learned that he had many appointments in a day. "Seven minutes per patient." He told me inside the consultation room, having done all the diagnoses for me but still busily hitting the computer keys. "And that's why many doctors got burnt out." he added.

"They're not alone, as many lawyers feel the same exhaustion and disillusion too." I thought. "As an unusual cheerful patient, you've instilled in me once again a sense of purpose; and that's good." He carried on, and I believed he smiled a little behind his surgical mask. I gratefully thanked him again for my usual extended session.

The thought of burning out has been resonating in me since. I find it ironic that those who meant to do good to humans or societies cannot avoid feeling low - what they are doing does not matter anymore. As I reflect further, I think we all should not get so worked up about things, except those that would make us smile!