John Inzerillo, MD: "Look for the Good" | Eastern North Carolina Now

   Publisher's note: We are most pleased, and quite humbled, to have the opportunity to bring to our readership the often reflective, and always knowledgeable words of Oncologist John Inzerillo, MD.

   This is the third part of a multi-part series, which began on June 2, 2012.

Look for the Good

    In every thing that happens around you always look for the good. This does not mean to excuse any bad behavior, but instead look for the reasons why such behavior is occurring. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this? What has lead this individual or group of individuals to do what they did? Looking at the situation years later will show you where this action, which at the time seemed horrendous, has lead to a change in thinking.

    In all of your actions also look at the underlying motivation. What are the reasons you made that sharp remark to a co-worker or to your spouse? Many times there is unrecognized underlying pain that leads to such comments. In all that you do, say, and think, remain mindful.
A reflective moment for Dr. John Inzerillo: Above.     photo by Stan Deatherage

Compare

    With the Christmas Season upon us it is wise to do some comparison shopping. Why spend more at one store when you can save a few dollars at a different place? It is one thing to compare items when shopping and totally another to compare ourselves to others. I hear one person compare their degree of illness to that of another person's and can understand that it is an indirect measure of gratitude that they are not suffering as others are.

    To put such comments into a slightly different mindset may allow us to show greater compassion for those suffering. By reframing the words to something like: "I am thankful that I am doing as well as I am, and I wish for the others I see around me to do as well," is not just trying to be positive, but it is a prayer for help in an effort to help relieve the suffering of others.

    We are each given our own gifts in this life, and one of our goals is to discover this gift and share it with the world. Let's give up comparing ourselves to others and be thankful for all that we have in any given situation.