The Difference Attitude Makes

Back in 1994 while working in the hospital on the orthopedic floor, I learned about "short-arm syndrome". This is a term floor nurses use for patients who can but won't help themselves. While it generally refers to the attitude of the person, it also pertains to the lack of will to reach 6" to the bedside table, to have everything done for them.

People with short-arm syndrome are not pleasant to work with. It's more than a temporary problem while in the hospital. When I transitioned from the hospital to Home Health, patients also transitioned, so I saw the same people at the hospital and at home.

Sadly, this syndrome followed them home. People with short-arm syndrome don't fare well after the hospital experience as far as their recovery is concerned.

Recently I met a patient with very long-arm syndrome. This fellow is remarkable, my hat is off to him. He'd suffered a terrible accident years ago, is frequently in a great deal of pain, but manages to continue to live as a bachelor. Even on the coldest, meanest days, even when he doesn't feel like it, he takes his 2 dogs for a long walk. He does everything for himself. I would have caved in like a plastic tub in a microwave.

As a result, he's living a full, productive life, has a fabulous attitude, and will remain independent for a very long time.

Much of what we experience, and the pitfalls of life, shape our attitudes about ourselves, and our capabilities. A healthy attitude makes life easier, even when life is downright mean. It's all in how you choose to deal with it.