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The Power of One

Life lesson: Keep our eyes open.

A long time ago, I worked with young people. Aside from the main purpose I was there, I felt it was my responsibility to share portions of my own philosophy.


Children develop a philosophy by observing their parents. It’s not what parents say, but what their parents do. Behavior is what tells. If someone says “Trust me, I have your best interests at heart,” maybe you should run for your life. Why is it necessary for them to tell you to trust, if not to distract you from the truth?


One of my philosophies is “it only takes one.” In contrast to the above, this is a belief that can be “told.” There are so many examples, it could be considered behavioral evidence. One example is healthcare. An individual enters a facility because they are ill or in need of a procedure. From the admitting personnel to the ones performing the “healing,” the individual comes into contact with dozens of personnel, a community of people offering behavioral evidence. Invisible healthcare workers are also crucial members of this community. Each person in this community has specific jobs designed to obtain a positive outcome. Each must perform their functions successfully.


It takes a community to support and protect each other. You and I are a community here and now. We can work together to help each other heal and re-enter life.


My philosophy and belief is that the people performing what seems like the most meaningless job or task is, to me, the most important to the entire outcome. For example, a room that is not thoroughly cleaned, leaves germs behind. Missing pages in forms or directions, an incorrect name or a procedure improperly entered into a database can result in disaster. Oftentimes, these jobs are repetitive, potentially messy or physically challenging. Can you imagine the outcome if these types of jobs are not performed consistently and expertly? Often ignored and demeaned, these individuals should demand our utmost respect and appreciation.


Have you heard of “wrong side” surgery? Yes, it has happened. The wrong leg has been amputated or an entrance for hernia repair has been made in the incorrect location. Cataract surgery has been performed on the good eye. Somewhere along the line, one person acted irresponsibly. Maybe an authorization form was incorrectly filled out. Possibly the correct side for surgery has not been identified on the patient. The surgeon may have ignored markings. It seems absolutely impossible that such mistakes could be made, but they all have been. One person, incorrectly administering a drug to the wrong person could potentially kill the patient.


One person has tremendous power in the entire process of obtaining positive outcomes.


Exhaustive efforts have been instituted to prevent errors or mistakes. Policies and procedures, protocols, rules and laws have been enacted. One would hope all of these would eliminate mistakes, but mistakes inevitably happen because of the people involved. Someone may be overwhelmed with too much work for one person. They may be ill or have diminished capabilities. They may simply become distracted or incorrectly perceive an event. The wrong person may be shot in a home invasion or the wrong person arrested due to misconceptions.


In contrast to errors and mistakes, enter the deliberate power of one, whose aim is to diminish the individual and benefit themselves. The scammer, for example, who relentlessly attacks us by phone and computer, who convincingly informs us our bank accounts are being raided as we speak or one of our relatives is being held hostage. There’s also the rapist or robber, who physically attacks people for their own pleasure or personal gain.


Some of us can become targets and are frequently vulnerable because of our age, illness, and/or loneliness. We may not have our usual alertness and energy to detect deceit.


What can be done? We have resources that can be implemented to help provide protection.


1. When entering a situation where we know we will not have our full faculties, we can obtain an advocate. Our advocate speaks for us, assesses activity, implements appropriate responses and helps protect us.


2. We have formal and legal protective documents, such as follows:

  1. Medical Power of Attorney, which names a trusted advocate in the event of a medical emergency during which we are unable to communicate our wishes.

  2. Financial Power of Attorney, which names a trusted advocate who will follow our financial wishes should we find ourselves unable to make our own verbal choices. This document is designed to protect us from the unscrupulous intentions of unauthorized people.


3. Communication with our significant others, spouses, children or other family and friends who will follow our desires and who we have proclaimed as important persons.


We have confidence in our abilities, which is increasing day by day. We definitely must pay attention to our own “take” on situations. We know what is right.


We must rapidly exit dangerous situations, or call the attention of authorities when that ONE is attempting to destroy us.


We can exhibit responsibility and be role models, as well as an example of the positive message that is us.


I mentally know I am a target. I mentally know the protective measures. It is just that sometimes I slip into numbness and irresponsibility. I keep reminding myself not to do that. So far I have been fortunate. My mind has snapped back into working mode at just the right time. I have been able to suppress my emotional state and stay safe. I have managed to keep from being scammed, at just the last minute.


I am fortunate. A friend agreed to be my Medical Power of Attorney. It was difficult to ask her to do so. It is a huge responsibility. I almost didn’t ask, because I was certain she would say no, but she said yes.


I feel confident if and when I need an advocate, I will be protected. I have listed what I want and don’t want when I become seriously ill. I did the right thing to ask her.


We, as one, can convey positivity, strength and an absolute commitment to our ability to re-enter life as we face more and more challenges. It is important to be prepared as much as possible.


Let me know how you are doing. I care.


Sincerely,

Lynn Brooke


©2023 Our New Chances

Photo credit: ©2023 Rachel Gareau


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