Compassion, Dancing and Chicken Tenders

“Patsy was feeling upset on this morning. I kneeled beside her and listened to her concerns. After some time, she accepted my invitation to go out to get crispy chicken tenders. Our outing to McDonald’s and the park eased her anxiety. The change of scenery improved her mood and got her thinking about positive memories. She talked about watching me and my husband dancing together at a party and appreciating the love between us. She talked about Beverly and then her own marriage and appreciating being kissed by her husband. Although the stories were not factually accurate, she put herself into the story and smiled while telling it. When we arrived home, she was happy and looking forward to a rest.”

This is a story of a Hummingbird activity specialist meeting her client right where she was, honoring her process and entering in to her world. That emotional support served as “good medicine” and helped decrease Patsy’s anxiety and heightened her positive mood. And of course, a little comfort food always helps too!