Shhhhhhhh!

Do you post your opinions in other conversations on Social Media?  Do you voice your opinions to acquaintances, even if the subject matter is sensitive?  I understand that as Americans that we are proud of our 1st Amendment Rights, especially when we want to be heard but maybe not so much when someone else wants to voice their opinions.  

Yesterday I had my annual physical.  The conversation turned to Covid vaccines & masks.  I wear my mask when required and have my vaccines.  As a matter of fact my question about the booster prompted the conversation.  My doctor mentioned his frustration with the un-vaccinated and the mask-less.  We have become friendly over the years so I wasn't put out but others may be.  As someone that has the ability to influence behavior I am not sure his frustration was the best approach in a professional capacity.  You see, there is little opportunity to influence when you voice frustration.  I asked him how he deals with the un-vaccinated to try to better influence them and while frustrated he had no specific plan.  I believe the patients may sense his frustration even if he doesn't use those words.  

I had a long drive home.  You see, I feel so strongly about my doctor and his professionalism that I drive 250 miles round trip to see him since he moved several years back so I am not commenting without much thought and I will continue to see him.   During my drive I began to consider how I influence others.  I have a sarcastic sense of humor.  Many of my friends appreciate it but what about those that don't?  How do I earn the privilege of influencing others?  Influence, unlike free speech, is a privilege not a right.  I decided that I do many things right being active in the community, volunteering at Church, helping others, belonging to Service Clubs and more.  The only question is, do my words get in my way?  From the Bible to modern teachers like Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Les Brown etc. we are taught that nobody cares what we know until they know that we care.  That's a concept to focus on in our daily activities, showing others that we care.  It starts with listening and trying to understand other perspectives.