Posted on 2.25.09

I'm reading a book called Three Cups of Tea - it's about a Bay Area nurse who decides to build a school in Pakistan. With no experience, he decides this will be his focus; he talks to people about his idea and, over time, he auspiciously finds random people who help him logistically and financially. All along the arduous journey, he keeps a steady focus. This is empowerment.

There are exquisite moments in life when things start happening.  Passions become quests and you find yourself making bold decisions.  Life takes a fascinating turn with purpose.  I am intrigued by these stories of how resourceful people pull through and pull out of their struggles. This is empowerment.

In clinic, I witness my patients' struggle through financial hardships and disempowered circumstances.  I listen, take notes, and think about them throughout the day.  Some articulate how they are barely surviving while others tell me how they have managed to flourish. "What advice would you give to others in similar circumstances?" I ask. This is empowerment.

Community health workers go out and see our most downtrodden patients.  They share resources, offer support and comfort.  They speak the same language, understand the culture, and often come from the same struggles.  This is empowerment.

At my residency, fresh new books sit at a little library, waiting for us to read them. A list of personally recommended books was collected and a library was created.  This is where I picked up Three Cups of Tea.  It's the small touches people bring that make my day significant.  This is empowerment.