The Tale of An Angry Patient: Healthy Choices or Donald Trump

During my rounds at work, I entered the room of a woman in her late 60s. She was watching CNN, and at that moment, the screen displayed the President signing an executive order. Immediately, I noticed her demeanor shift-360, her face tightened with anger, her body language tensed up. 

As the news segment continued, she muttered bitterly about how much she despised the President, even expressing relief that her sister wasn’t alive to witness what was happening. My years of work experience shows that patients of color, who like to refer to black people, are always comfortable sharing their political views with me. One thing I don't like about politics is the hatred it comes with. So her intensity as observed was unsettling, a raw display of deep-seated resentment. At that moment, it became clear to me just how profoundly hatred can consume a person. And here we are talking about someone in the hospital as a result of ill health. Imagine that. 

Trying to diffuse the tension, I gently reminded her that the President would be in office for the next four years, and if she allowed herself to be this upset every time he appeared on the news, it could take a toll on her health. I added that she should try to find one or two positive things about the president and stick to them. Like he's a husband to a wife, father to children, grandpa to this grandkids and they love him, and a boss to people making a living being around him who might not always agree with him. And importantly, one of God's creations. She looked at me and said you're right. Sometimes I'm fascinated that people don't think of such things. 

You see, Prolonged anger and stress, after all, can contribute to serious health conditions like strokes and cardiac events. Carrying such negativity daily is a heavy burden, one that she didn’t need to bear.  

She paused, reflecting on my words and finally admitted that I was right, again. While I can only hope she takes my advice to heart, I fear that if she doesn’t, her anger may do more harm to her than the politics she so much despises. 

Sometimes, letting go isn’t just about peace of mind, it’s about our very survival.

I have learned to not let anything or anyone bother me. We all have our own burdens to bear including whoever happens to be the president. A lofty title with life and death decisions to make every day that they occupy that office. Hating them doesn't help with the job. 

God bless you 🙏 

Pal Ronnie