Be the One℠

For so many of us, we don’t have a witness to our lives... especially in our work.

So many people work in isolation - maybe even from home or in closed off work spaces.

So, when you see someone’s greatness, YOU are the WITNESS.

It’s exciting to catch someone doing something wonderful and to express to them in detail our own joy about witnessing it. It’s a pleasure!

And it creates immediate friendship—from that feeling of them being seen.

You might think that a person doesn’t need to hear how fantastic they are at something - but everyone deserves to hear it, and on a regular basis!

Not only does this inspire motivation but it can also help heal so muchloneliness in the world.

Be ready to give a gift like this.

Let the sweetness of this change your life. Doing this is also making an active decision to take charge of how WE want to show up, and how WE want to feel.

We can each defiantly choose to bring goodness into the world, no matter what is happening.Instead of waiting for the WORLD to give us what we want and crave… We can make the decision to GIVE what we want to receive.

To Be the One.

(This is from my new keynote!)

#keynotespeaker #retention #leadership #workculture #betheone #selfleadership

Interview with Allison Massari on the 3M Podcast

Burnout Prevention Support

If you or someone you know has experienced burnout, this conversation, in this podcast will be truly supportive. Click Here to Listen: https://allisonmassari.com/burnout-prevention-keynote-speaker

Alleviating burnout is top of mind for everyone right now, in every industry. I was invited by 3M to discuss a fresh perspective on burnout in healthcare—and beyond—on their podcast. I share new ideas and insights that I hope will help many people. I’m excited to share this with you. Please share this with anyone you care about.

“In the fullness of true resilience you don’t just survive—you become a better version of yourself on every level. You become a force of light.”



#keynotespeaker #burnout #resilience #healthcare #retention #hr #compassion #selfcare #kindness #patience

A Profound Story About One of My Nurses

This might be one of my most special posts and stories to share with you: For years, many of you have heard me tell the stories in my keynotes about the extraordinary nurses that cared for me on the burn unit - It was their kindness, presence, and their compassion.

One poignant memory, I have always had is a particular nurse that leaned over the bed rails and grabbed my hand in a moment that somehow stayed with me for 26 years. I ALWAYS wondered who this nurse was and I never forgot her. Every time I give my speech, I see her in my mind’s eye when I share that moment. Well, last week I had the privilege of speaking for the hospital that cared for me, Tampa General Hospital. It was a full circle, unbelievable event with all of their leaders.

After my keynote, this woman came up to me, held my hand and introduced herself to me saying she had cared for me. You can see in the second photo below that someone happened to capture this moment! After 26 years I was blown away in that moment I recognized her! Can you believe this? It was completely obvious that it was HER the one who leaned over the bed rails that day who I never forgot! She had a very distinct presence and energy and when she held my hand I recognized her! Can you believe that life has given me this gift to find her? I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I was given this gift! To see her, hug her, tell her how much she meant to me, and to know that she heard the story in the speech that day!

We rarely get the opportunity to find people who touched our lives in passing. Today I want to remind you that life can be so magical like this. I am in AWE.

This post is also a reminder that we cannot underestimate how our kindness and our presence with other people extends through time.

What you have done in your life - caring for others, even strangers - is so powerful. Every act of kindness counts!

The little moments are the big moments.


#keynotespeaker #healthcare #healthcarekeynotespeaker #Compassion #kindness #nurses #gratitude #heart #love #empathy



Staying Centered in Life

To stay centered in life, I recommend printing this poem, "The Paradoxical Commandments" and keeping it on your desk, near your bed, or on your bathroom mirror. This message is so beautiful and helpful:

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
LOVE THEM ANYWAY
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
If you are successful,
you win false friends and true enemies,
SUCCEED ANYWAY
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,
DO GOOD ANYWAY
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY
What you spent years building may be
destroyed overnight,
BUILD ANYWAY
People really need help
but may attack you if you help them,
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY
Give the world the best you have
And you’ll get kicked in the teeth,
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY.

*The Paradoxical Commandments were written by Kent M. Keith when he was 19, a sophomore at Harvard College.

Mother Teresa put a condensed version of the Paradoxical Commandments up on the wall of her children’s home in Calcutta. According to Lucinda Vardey, in Mother Teresa: A Simple Path (New York: Ballantine Books, 1995), page 185, there was “a sign on the wall of Shishu Bhavan, the children’s home in Calcutta.” The above is what the sign said.

Thank you dearly to Kent M. Keith.❤

(Artwork by me.)

Grateful to my Hero, on this Veterans Day

Today I am celebrating Veterans Day and my heart is full. It was a Vietnam veteran named Roger Pepper who saved my life, pulling me from this burning car in 1998. I was trapped inside and he ran into the fiery scene. I remember the very moment we caught eyes when I was inside, so afraid, and in so much pain. Then he kicked the glass out, and pulled me out. The story could have ended there, but for years (until he passed away) he always called to check on me to be sure I was ok. He was so kind to me. He cared. He is a true hero, alongside every veteran.

Three Ideas to Help your Wellbeing

Life often pulls us in so many directions. When you feel mired down from stress or overwhelm, here are three ideas that can help with your sense of wellbeing:

1) We can never underestimate the impact our kindness can have on a stranger. We can have no idea how we may be helping someone who is hurting with the simplest act of a genuine smile and eye contact. When we focus on extending our kindness to others it disrupts any unhealthy loops of negative thinking and gets you into good, yummy, wonderful feelings. No matter how busy we get, we can learn to take three seconds to give someone a warm genuine smile, or use a supportive tone of voice as we speak. With these simple practices, our lives can have more meaning.

2) If you have had a persistent painful issue that for years will not resolve, even with counseling, or support, and books, etc., start your day interrupting those negative feelings or thoughts by jumping and saying "STOP!" Then stand tall, put a huge smile on your face and go to a memory of when you were filled with joy or aliveness, or love. Replace the negative with a positive. Decide how you want to feel and be in charge. The pain may always linger in the background but you can make a choice to not let it run your life.

3) Our brains love silence. In this busy world, days and weeks can fly by without time for reflection. If you can, find some quiet time today and enjoy it. When we get quiet, we get to know ourselves in an important way. We can listen to our thoughts and connect to what we really hope for, decide on next steps, get clarity, and so much more.

May your day be filled with goodness.

Artwork by me: "The Place Where My Soul Rests" © Allison Massari For prints please click here.

For information about my keynote speaking please visit: www.AllisonMassari.com

My Cleveland Clinic Keynote

I have a soft spot for the wonderful people at the Cleveland Clinic. And I am still smiling from the honor of speaking for them at the Patient Experience Summit this year.   Today I saw this clip from my keynote that was posted online. Please feel free to watch! Click Here. To learn more about my speaking in healthcare please Click Here.

“Brilliant.” “This was so INCREDIBLE! Thank you!” “Wow no words……” “Fantastic communicator. Personal and compelling.” “Famously told.” “Incredibly moving and powerful session. Such beautiful and thought provoking words.” “Very eye opening! The best patient story of the conference.”

Cleveland Clinic 2016 PE Summit

Techniques You Can Employ When Dealing With Difficult Clients or Coworkers

Often I am asked about how to successfully handle difficult people. Every situation is so unique and may require a radically different approach. As a default, it is always good to start by assuming that you may be wrong about everything you think you know about the person and the situation. This brings a fresh, new perspective - an open mind - and is a powerful place to create true resolution. Feeling truly humble always helps us create the best possible outcome. We cannot control how a person responds, but we can do everything possible to help the person feel we are on their side, that we truly want understanding, that we are fair, that we want the best for everyone involved.

In my opinion, there is an epidemic of isolation. Rather than feeling a part of a team or community, we often feel separate. My goal is to bring a true message of hope, to catalyze our connection to our humanity. I care about people. I want them to feel supported, to be transported to a new way of thinking, to feel powerful in their lives.

When in doubt put yourself in the other person’s shoes, and keep your mind on the peaceful outcome you desire.

To learn more about my keynote speaking please Click Here

Speaker for Norton Healthcare at "Go Confidently"

Speaking for Norton Healthcare was truly special. I had the privilege of delivering the keynote at "Go Confidently" which is a free event generously provided to the community by Norton Healthcare. It was a first-class event and done with so much love! To get a peak click here. And to read the follow up article you can see it by clicking here.

To learn more about my speaking in healthcare please click here.

You Are a Healer

Many people are silently hurting, keeping up appearances. When you see a stranger today, you can go to your heart, and quietly wish them happiness. When we walk in the world with the intention of loving kindness for one another, we each become beacons of healing in this world. Your awareness and caring affects your environment and the people you encounter. And the added benefit you have likely noticed, is that your loving kindness for others, simultaneously washes over your own self.

Thank you for your love.

Artwork by me: "The Peacemaker" Series #5 © Allison Massari

For information about my keynote speaking please Click Here.

Cleveland Clinic Keynote Speaker 2016

This was an unforgettable day for me. Thank you dearly to the Cleveland Clinic for the huge honor of delivering the keynote for your "Patient Experience Summit". From the first call with Dr. Adrienne Boissy to the humble exceptional people in the audience that I had the incredible pleasure of meeting afterwards, I am still smiling.  To learn more about my speaking in healthcare please Click Here.   This image is one of my favorite tweets that was posted! Thank you...  

The Ultimate of What Love Looks Like in Healthcare

Wow. This image says it all. In China, several doctors bow to an 11-year-old young boy diagnosed with terminal brain cancer who managed to save the lives of several others by donating his organs shortly after he passed away. This is the ultimate of what love can look like in healthcare. There are countless people in healthcare who daily and tirelessly give with devotion, compassion and kindness. May we honor them all. And may we honor this beloved mother and child.

Love_In_Healthcare_Allison_Massari
Love_In_Healthcare_Allison_Massari

Bring Allison Massari to deliver the keynote at your next Healthcare Conference. Learn more here.

“The Comeback Artist” Allison Massari in February 2016 Bay Magazine

  

Read the 2016 Bay Magazine Article – “The Comeback Artist”

 

Click here Pages 102-105   Well, instead of a lovely box of chocolate and flowers this year, my Valentines Day gift came from my hometown. #‎SweetestGiftEver‬ I am so touched by this beautiful article that came out today in Bay Magazine (Tampa, FL) about my life and my work. Thank you to Katherine Snow Smith for so exquisitely writing this, for sharing my work with others, and for such an incredible gift for my heart, on Valentine's Day.   Allison_Massari_2016_In_The_Press_p1  

Philips Oral Healthcare sponsors Allison Massari's Keynote Speech

A huge thank you to Philips Oral Healthcare for sponsoring my speech for PennWell's Conference, "RDH Under One Roof!" It was a very special day with a room filled with compassionate, devoted people and I was honored.

To learn more about my speaking in healthcare please Click Here.

Patient Safety Keynote Speaker, Allison Massari in Northern California

This year I had the privilege of being hired by the HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION OF NORTHERN & CENTRAL CALIFORNIA to deliver a series of speeches for Patient Safety events in California. My keynote was called "Transforming Patient Lives: The Art of Person-Centered Care." I just completed the last one yesterday and I am still smiling! I have adored this client team and all of the wonderful people I met from the audiences each time. I'm sending a huge thank you for the lovely testimonial that came in from the CEO:

"98% of evaluations on content, presentation, and satisfaction scored her at a 5 (highest rating)." "Allison Massari is an outstanding presenter and keynoter who will inspire any audience with her passion, compassion, and message of hope and renewal. We have used her in several programs and consistently the audience loves her. At one recent program 98% of evaluations on content, presentation, and satisfaction scored her at a 5 (highest rating). This is not unusual. Allison is often listed on evaluations as the best thing about the conference. We will continue to feature Allison in our programs whenever we have the opportunity; she is wonderful!" Art Sponseller President/CEO Hospital Council of Northern & Central California

To learn more about my speaking in healthcare please Click Here.

A New Kind of Patient-Centered Care

A magical visit to the doctor: I have a really wonderful relationship with one of my doctors. He's helped me for several years with my burn scars. Today we did an experiment on one of the scars on my right leg. We knew it would be painful but worth trying for sure. Well, he did something different today. When he walked in he looked at me with a big sweet smile and started gently dancing while singing a Stevie Wonder song, "My Cherie Amour". And his voice was so kind and gentle and it became hypnotic. And we both started giggling and I was humming with him and smiling and he started the laser treatment and I was completely distracted by the joy of it all and the calm that came over me. And then his song turned into something more jazz-like - a mix between Chet Baker and Louis Armstrong - and he made up a sweet song about me, singing my name - and there I was completely blissed out - and the pain was suddenly nothing at all. He never missed a beat and kept smiling the whole time so generously. And then it was over and I said, "Wow! That was really amazing." And he said with a big smile and a twinkle in his eyes, "I think I discovered something today." And I said, "Oh yes, indeed you have.” - This completely made my whole day. I have a feeling that the future of his business will be now adding a lot of this dancing and singing for his patients. That was truly patient-centered care. And pure kindness... And just pure fun... Isn't it amazing how the simplest things can sometimes create such pure joy.

To learn about my speaking in Healthcare please Click Here

7 Keynotes in 4 days for SSM Health Care

I just delivered seven keynotes in four days for SSM Health Care in St. Louis, MO! And, Wow... This was a first for me. What an honor too! It was a series of events that they put on in devotion to their entire staff. We had 600-800 people at each event. During each program I did a Q&A session via text with them to engage and connect with them, which I always love to do. They brought me in like I was family and it was truly special. On the last day, several of the team members came up on stage with me to get a selfie with me, and you can see our joy! Thank you SSM.

To learn more about my speaking in healthcare please Click Here.

“It was evident that you had familiarized yourself with our culture and history, and you were able to reach our employees at a profound and enduring level.” "You had a transformative effect on those who attended your “Mission Days” presentations for employees of SSM Health in St. Louis, MO. It was evident that you had familiarized yourself with our culture and history, and you were able to reach our employees at a profound and enduring level. Most of all, you reminded us to really see the person before us, whether a patient or a co-worker. Your healing presence among us for four days inspired a renewed, collective commitment to our ministry of caring for the sick and promoting health in the communities we serve. All of us at SSM Health are most, most grateful to you.”

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Don Eggleston System Vice President, Mission Integration SSM Health