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Hello everyone! It is good to know you are still here. I had an experience with a medical doctor recently after I went fo a general checkup. Mind you, I strongly advice that you should do this from time to time so as to know your health status. Back to the reality of what seems to turn out to be a life lesson learned. The lesson learned from this encounter taught me about the power of perception and appearance in shaping our relationships and interactions with the outside world. I have been feeling weird in my system lately, and I felt it's time to hit the clinic for a general assessment so they may know what exactly seems to be going on in my system.

The early start.

I determined not to repeat the disappointment of my previous missed appointment because, prior to this time, I had moments where I couldn't meet with the doctor. If you are in this part of the world , especially where I am from, you will understand how difficult it is to meet with a doctor, as they are very scarce to come by. I set out early in the morning to reach the hospital on time for my meeting with the doctor. Despite the hospital being a distance from my house, I wanted to ensure that I arrived there on time for the scheduled electrocardiography test and my consultation with the doctor.
To my surprise, I arrived at the hospital earlier than expected. This, I believe, will enable me to avoid unnecessary delays. The beautiful nurse I met smiled as soon as I came in, having recognised that I had missed the two previous scheduled meetings with the doctor. I had built a relationship with her and she was able to help me secure a spot in the scheduled appointment. This time, I am in the second on the list. With different thoughts ravaging my mind, "uhm! Mr. Miracle, you are next!" one of the Nurse beckoned. "Yes ma'am" my fainted response was from my throat as I had processed different thoughts. Then the session began as the Cardiologist started asking different questions to know how best to align my medical history, etc. As I began conversing with the cardiologist, I soon realized that a person's physical appearance can create perceptions that may not align with reality. Speaking of my appearance, I dressed the way I would normally dress when I intend to get something important from the store. I never saw a reason to dress smartly when visiting the hospital. After all, it's a hospital, not a showroom or social gathering. Wearing my sweatshirt and my joggers with my flat kind of sneakers, I felt good to go. Anyways! I soon learned the need to be concerned about one's appearance.

Perception.

During the consultation, the cardiologist asked if I was a smoker. Mind you, there's a saying from where I came from that you shouldn't lie to your doctor regardless. Trust me, you are doing yourself more harm than good when you lie to someone who is supposed to take care of your health. This is not the first time hearing that kind of question, but I wasn't expecting it from this cardiologist. I truthfully responded that I was not. However, he seemed skeptical about my response, and he pointed out that my lips appeared dark, and my eye balls were kind of red. These physical attributes are often associated with smokers, and the doctor on that premise, doubted my response.

The experience taught me that our physical appearance can inadvertently create preconceived notions and judgments about our lifestyles and habits.

Honesty and trust.

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Understanding the importance of trust between a patient and a medical practitioner, I explained to the cardiologist that I understood his concerns but assured him that I was being truthful about my non-smoking status. I emphasized how smoking could have an adverse effect on one's health. I went as far as talking about what this bad habit can cause and the contents in it that can damage one's health. Trust me, I did justice to my explanation. By communicating my stance and my vast knowledge on the subject matter of smoking, I aimed to bridge the gap created by appearance based assumptions, and I did build a foundation of trust.
As our conversation progressed, we delved into various aspects of health and medicine. I later shared my passion for reading and my inquisitive nature, which intrigued the doctor. Our discussion expanded beyond my health to cover more health related issues and topics. The doctor was impressed by my knowledge and interest in the subject matter, to the point that he almost mistook me for a medical practitioner.

The power of perception.

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This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the power of perception. Our physical appearance, how we dress, talk, consciously or unconsciously, affects how people perceive or receive us. It is essential to recognize that appearances can be deceiving. By engaging in open and honest conversations, we can overcome initial judgments and build meaningful and trustworthy connections that are based on trust and shared knowledge.

My experience at the doctor's office showed the importance of perception and appearance in our interactions. It is important to be mindful of assumptions we make based on appearances and to give others the benefit of the doubt. Honest and open communication can help bridge the gap between perception and reality, fostering understanding, trust, and meaningful connections. Always remember this: "There is always more to a person than meets the eye."

Thank you for your time.