I recently spent two weeks in the hospital and am now on week 5 of bed rest because of a bacterial infection that was attempting to eat its way through my flesh. And the biggest lesson I’m learning from this experience? It’s all about the people.     

I was originally sent to the emergency room by my primary care doctor for what I thought would be an easy-to-cure “wound” and that I’d probably be in and out of the ER in a few hours. Instead, I was admitted and began intensive treatments during my two-week hospital stay and only released with a wound vac still attached to me, home health care scheduled for the next several weeks, and strict instructions for complete bed rest until the doctor releases me. (I may or may not have always completely adhered to the “complete” bed rest thing, but I’m doing my best.)

Honestly though, everything that has happened has been quite surreal and, to be honest, more than a bit overwhelming. It didn’t take long for me to realize this situation was going to be way more than I could handle on my own.

Enter the people. The good, caring, kind, loving, supportive people.

In the beginning (once I was sent home), it was really hard to accept the offers of help. I started out saying, “No, you don’t have to.” “No, that’s not necessary.” “No, I don’t want to be a bother,” etc. But the reality was I didn’t really have a choice. I needed help with literally everything—meals, grocery shopping, house cleaning, taking the trash out, etc. And so, with no real choice in the matter, I began saying yes. My pride would just have to take a backseat for the foreseeable future and I’ve had to let others help me. And remarkably, people genuinely seemed to want to!

Generally, I like to think I am self-sufficient and independent, but during this time God has reminded me not so much – It’s All About The People. He actually designed us to be interdependent (not independent) and we’re supposed to not only give help and support to others, but also receive it as well, allowing others to be the blessing to us that we want to be to them. (Good plan, God!)

I’ve been truly blessed throughout my life, but I was enlightened over the last several weeks by just how much. As I was able to let others know what I was going through, the care, support, prayers, and actions started rolling in from family, friends, clients, and business partners. It was truly (wonderfully) overwhelming and such a complete blessing. (How will I ever thank everyone enough?)

I am still in the recovery process and still in the learning mode during this unexpected life event. But I am learning that when you need help, you need to swallow your pride and ask for it–whether you need help physically, emotionally, spiritually, or mentally. Whatever you need, ask for it. Let others help you. Many times, those around you don’t realize you need help until you tell them, and they’re more than willing to help once you let them know of your need.

At the same time, I’m reminded that we shouldn’t wait to be asked but that we should heighten our awareness of the needs of those in our life. If/when we see someone struggling whether physically or emotionally, we should initiate the helping process. Doing so can make such a positive impact on that person and the situation they are dealing with.

In the professional realm, let’s be organizations that truly believe that true success comes from the/our people. Let’s be engaged with our teams and reach out to them as we see needs arising. The business of managing people is first about caring about them.

To all who have gone above and beyond and blessed and aided me the last several weeks in a myriad of ways–meals, grocery shopping, house cleaning, flowers, calls, cards, weekly trash maintenance, etc., you’ll never know how very much I have appreciated it and you, including the needs you took care of before I was even aware I had them. I am a truly blessed woman, and a truly grateful one. Thank you to all!

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If you’d like assistance in establishing an “It’s All About The People” staff culture, Close HR is happy to discuss ways to heighten awareness and engagement to help meet the needs of others.