Greetings to my Wellness WOWers and everyone who is looking to up-level their health, life and experience 360 degrees of wellness in peace and harmony!
Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate women around the world and encourage them to “Be Bold for Change”! When I think of taking action and initiating change, I think of the wellness wisdom of women!
This blog is in honor of the women who were bold enough to push forward and stand up anyway, even when they were afraid, exhausted and overwhelmed knowing that CHANGE was non-negotiable.
This is to the women physicians and healers who came before me. Who were bold enough to listen to their inner voice that whispered "yes" when others screamed "no". Who were bold enough to keep standing and persevering despite, classism, sexism and inequality.
The women who pioneered in the fields of law, engineering, construction, politics and medicine, allowing us who follow in their footsteps to walk through a door that was opened for us.
Women continue to make advancements despite gender biases and inequality. A study was published recently in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) of Internal Medicine that found women make better physicians. Patients admitted to the hospital had better outcomes, lower re-admissions to the hospital and lower mortality rates who had a female physician. The rates increased even more with the sickest of patients. Though the percentage is small between female and male physicians, it equates to approximately 32,000 more people whose lives were saved by a woman physician compared to her male counterpart. That's 32,000 more hellos, 32,000 more smiles and 32,000 more I love you's.
So how can you express your wellness wisdom boldly and initiate change?
1. Encouragement
According to the study, women physicians have better patient outcomes because they are more encouraging and reassuring. It’s amazing how much of an impact a kind word, smile or soft touch on the shoulder can be. The saying goes, “I am woman hear me roar”. What can move people more effectively is a soft whisper. The power of encouragement gives someone support, hope for the future and the strength to get there. Hope can heal!
2. Time
Observational studies found that women physicians actually spend more time with their patients.
“Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. " Rick Warren
What an awesome gift to give someone your time, so make sure you are intentional with your time. Most importantly, be bold, unapologetic and intentional with your time to rejuvenate and nurture yourself so that you can be the change you wish to see in the world! Time heals all wounds and apparently can help in the health and healing of others.
3. Communication
When I was in medical school, I was taught, "Listen to the patient and they will tell you what is wrong with them." The study in JAMA Internal Medicine concluded that women physicians have a more patient centered communication style which results in better patient outcomes. There are many forms of communication to include verbal and non-verbal. Communication must be clear, complete and compassionate. Complete communication includes complete thoughts leaving no room for questions or error; clearly articulating your thoughts, feelings and ideas, as well as active listening allowing the otherparty to do the same. Clear communication also involves speaking your truth. And of course compassion. The elders always said, "You can get more flies with honey than you can vinegar." It's not always what you say, but how you say it and thus how it is received.
I dedicate this post and #IWD2017 to my grandmother, Martha Louise Black Jackson. She felt that she had a calling to help, heal and care for others but because she was born in 1911, she did not have the opportunities we do today to be a physician. Instead she opted to be a nurse. She prepared to matriculate into nursing school by getting the necessary study materials and uniforms. In those days, people were required to get a physical before starting nursing school. They found a heart murmur and she was unable to matriculate into the nursing program because of it. Though she never recieved a DO, MD, DC or OD, she was the healer, nurturer, care-giver and "physician " in our family.
She was bold enough to envision a more beautiful world and bold enough to create it, starting with what was in her hands. She was known for her crocheted creations and divine delectables.
She was bold enough to envision open doors and opportunities in a more accepting world and bold enough to pray for it and believe. I am the answer to her prayer and the continuation of her praise. I am the change she so off in the distance!
Are you bold enough for change? Are you bold enough to envision a better world starting with your own? If that is you, and you are not only ready for change but to be the change which you seek, I am here to encourage you with support, strength and energy necessary to propel you to your dreams and your future. Your support is here. Be Well!
Yours in Health,
Dr. Michelle Clay is a speaker, author & Holistic Physician specializing in stress release and management, helping you reclaim your health and happiness simply and naturally. As the founder and visionary of FREELIFE7 a life enhancing company, she is frequently called upon to give a refreshing holistic perspective on ways to release stress, recharge health and the mind-body connection, finding that happy place to live a free life on purpose with passion.