Instinctual Thoughts

At the basis of our inner core, what is it that drives us? When the looming threat of mortality triggers us, who or what comes to the surface?

I work in the neurosurgical ICU. As you can imagine, a lot of my patients have lapses in memory. I end up having the same conversation, multiple times in a shift reminding the patients where they are and why they are there. Sometimes even who they are. But what I find interesting is this: the most important concern they have once they find out they are in the hospital.

Today’s patient: she was concerned about going back to work. Mildly humorous, considering she had a stroke, a drain emptying her cerebrospinal fluid, was being monitored for seizures, AND was being fed through a tube. (Work is definitely the least of her problems.) She insisted on having me hatch an escape plan to help her get back to work. Naturally, I declined. Out of all the things her mind could retain, it kept traveling back to her finances.

I’ve seen patients get distressed about their pets, their children, their businesses, etc etc. None of these is more important than the other – I just find it interesting all the different things that people focus on. What drives them daily. What gives them their purpose in life. What is even more important than their health.

So I challenge you to ponder for yourself, what (or who) do you care about the most? Is it something that is worthy of your time and attention? Are you giving enough of yourself as it requires? Or is it something you need space and a refocus from?