Wildflower Writes

At one point in my life, I believed there was no fundamental difference between males and females, with the obvious physical exceptions. I was a 10-year-old feminist. I believed I could play football, excel in math, run fast, become president, and win a fist fight as well as any boy I knew. I rebelled against the idea that my passions and talents might be limited by people who made up arbitrary rules about which sports, activities or classes I could participate in. I still feel the hairs on the back of my neck bristle when people, especially children, are encouraged to behave in a particular way simply due to their gender. Let them play with whatever they want to, whether it’s trucks or dolls or blocks or crayons. Don’t let “boys be boys” and allow rude behavior or destruction. Don’t make girls “act like a lady” and prevent them from playing in dirt or running around. As I grew older, I began to see that there were some general differences between men and women. While I could play foo...

I walked into the last office, making my final delivery for Doctor’s Day. I walked into the small waiting room, and waited patiently for the receptionist to get off the phone. “11:30. April 14th. 11:30. Tuesday. Tuesday. 11:30. 11:30. 11:30. Tuesday. April 14th. Yes, that’s right. No. 11:30. You’re appointment’s at 11:30. 11:30…” I swear this went on for a full five minutes. I stifled a laugh. Obviously the gentleman on the other end was hard of hearing, and perhaps a little cognitively deficient. Even the smallest bit of information just wasn’t translating for him that day. When the receptionist finally ended the call, she sighed and gave me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry,” she said. “That’s okay,” I answered, flashing a sympathetic look and quickly handing over the carnation intended for the doctor. In my line of work, you have to use some creative communication techniques at times. It is really hard to convey your meaning to someone who can’t hear the words you...

Did you know where the term "mad as a hatter" came from? Apparently, back in the olden days, hatters would use a mercury compound to make felt hats. Too much mercury exposure led to poisoning. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include delirium, hallucinations, and suicidal tendencies. So, the Mad Hatter in Alice and Wonderland had good reasons for acting a little well, crazy. My question is, what is poisoning you in your work? I work in an industry where communication is vital. It's not beneficial to hold a grudge and stop talking to someone. Disagreements must be addressed and resolved quickly. In health care, poor communication can mean everything from irritated family members to death. Forgiveness is the only way to detoxify your system. When you are angry or frustrated with someone, you allow them to control your feelings, sometimes even your life. If you don't let go of your hurt and allow God to heal, your body turns on you. You might get headaches, acid ...