We never know whom we might be impacting, and in exactly what way.
My years of being a doctor have taught me this.
Time spent counseling patients about diet, weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, etc. doesn't always seem to bear immediate fruit.
I may have the same conversation with a patient multiple times over many visits, and still not see any changes to their lifestyle or relationship issues.
Until one day, I do.
And that day isn't always within a predictable time frame. Sometimes, in fact, a patient will come back years later and tell me that our discussions caused him to (eventually) start walking, or stop eat less red meat, or have a crucial conversation with his spouse, or begin practicing Qigong.
This feedback in mind, I continue to plant the seeds of health, even when it may appear (pardon the pun) 'fruitless.'
In a bigger and different way, I plant seeds by writing this blog or interviewing guests on our Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast. As a writer and radio host, I am even more removed from those I may be reaching.
I'm even less aware of how my words might be impacting others.
Until one day, a blog reader sends me a note via Facebook, or a podcast listener that I meet randomly (if one believes in randomness), tells me that she learned something valuable from a recent show.
This type of feedback keeps me writing, and broadcasting, and seeking radio show sponsors to support our efforts.
Just as feedback from my patients keeps me doctoring and offering medical advice.
I am grateful for the feedback. It is important to know that what I am doing is making a difference. This is important to each of us, I suspect.
We never know who we might be impacting, or what might bear fruit.
But every so often we see a sprout of hope, it keeps us planting the seeds.
encircled
Cape Porpoise, 2012
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Dr. Lisa's Bountiful Blog is read on the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast. Show summaries are available on the Dr. Lisa website. Subscribe to podcasts of the show through iTunes and let us know what you think!
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