Every day, the telomeres lengthen and shorten on the ends of our DNA strands, depending on the amount of stress or compassion we experience. Our lifespans are extended or reduced with every interaction exchanged. Cells just below the intestine’s surface divide every twelve to sixteen hours, so the digestive system is refurbished every few days. Imagine how that plays out internally whenever we are worried or stressed.
While the large-scale injustices of other’s decisions and our own pivots are most visible, the continuous evolution of living things happens below the radar. You simply cannot have an interaction with another human without causing impact or being impacted by the emotional exchange. You will either be weakened or strengthened. Each exchange is usually too small to measure, but they add up powerfully.
They add up to form the culture of the workplace. They shape your attitude about going to work. They make you yearn for Fridays and dread Mondays. Everything happening counts. And there is far less separation between home and work than people realize. Nobody leaves one at the door when they enter the other. It’s one life with many venues.
Whenever you become inured to any level of dysfunction, your wellness takes a hit. Whenever you tolerate the tiniest disrespect, you compromise your immune system. Whenever you sanction toxicity, you shorten your lifespan.
Go ahead and rail at the sky about the questionable decisions made by leadership. Then, let others react to the changes you’ve triggered. Both change management responses will advance you to the next day. But if you want to make a lasting impact on the quality of your life, personally or professionally, start paying attention to the little things.
If you have your wellness, you’ll have everything.
