“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
– Mother Teresa
How many people do you think you encounter in a day? Friends, neighbors and loved ones. Colleagues, learners and mentors. Patients and their families. Even complete strangers. My guess is the total is higher than you realize.
Now imagine if, when you see them, each of those individuals was to offer you a brief moment of kindness, like a friendly hello or a simple wish for a good day. Maybe they go a step further and ask how you are doing, share a compliment or offer encouragement. How would that impact your day?
I would venture to say that even the smallest gesture would leave a meaningful impression. Kind words and actions have a ripple effect: They improve our mood, reduce stress and foster a greater sense of well-being. Most importantly, they remind us that we are part of a community that cares for one another. In places as vibrant and busy as The Ohio State University College of Medicine and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, these moments of connection matter deeply.
A warm greeting, a sincere thank-you or a few positive remarks can shift a person’s entire outlook. More than simply boosting someone’s spirits for an instant, these gestures help build a culture where everyone feels valued and seen. Each time we pause to say hello in the hallway, make an uplifting comment after a meeting or express gratitude for someone’s effort, we contribute to that culture.
Some of the brightest moments in my own day come from the messages I receive from our faculty, staff and learners, sharing their fantastic achievements and joyful news. I love responding to each one, even if I only have time for a quick “Congratulations!” Those exchanges remind me of the good happening all around us, and of how – one kind word at a time – we can create a welcoming, supportive environment where people feel inspired to do their best work.
As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s try to slow down, look up from our to-do lists and be intentional about extending a kind word to others. Whether you give a simple acknowledgment or effusive praise, you never know who might need that gesture – or how far its impact may reach.
Dean, College of Medicine
Leslie H. and Abigail S. Wexner Dean’s Chair in Medicine
Vice President for Health Sciences, Wexner Medical Center