Ask: The Time Is Now | Dawn Gross | TEDxSonomaCounty

TL;DR

An exploration of the power of asking the question "if I had a magic wand, what would you wish for?", and how it can unveil people's true desires and priorities.

Transcript

if I had a magic wand and I'm not saying that I do but if I did What Would You Wish For the first time I asked that question it was completely unplanned at the time I was working as a hematologist that's a kind of doctor who cares for people living with diseases of the blood cancers like leukemia on this particular day I was getting ready to meet a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🪄 The magic wand question can unveil people's true desires and priorities, going beyond what may be initially expected.
• 👯 When people are aware of their mortality, what matters most becomes clear, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the meaningful aspects of life.
• 😨 Curiosity plays a crucial role in discovering what truly matters to individuals, allowing caregivers to provide more personalized care.
• 🪄 The power of the magic wand lies in the invitation it creates for people to speak their heart's desire, facilitating deeper connections and understanding.
• 🥺 Sharing what matters most can lead to a life filled with meaningful experiences and relationships.
• 🪄 The magic wand question can be used to empower others to take action and advocate for what matters most to them.
• 🛟 Conversations about what matters most are not limited to end-of-life discussions but can enrich and enhance life at any stage.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did asking the magic wand question change the doctor's understanding of her patient's needs?

The doctor initially expected the patient to wish for her cancer to go away, but the patient's response revealed that her anxiety was the most pressing concern. This altered the doctor's approach to her care.

Q: Why did the doctor switch specialties to hospice and palliative medicine?

The doctor observed that when people are aware of their mortality, their true priorities come to the forefront. She wanted to be able to provide care that focused on what truly matters to patients and their loved ones.

Q: How does curiosity play a role in discovering what matters most to people?

Curiosity allows caregivers to go beyond assumptions and ask open-ended questions. By being genuinely curious, caregivers can uncover specific desires and needs that may not have been addressed otherwise.

Q: How can the magic wand question be applied in everyday life?

The magic wand question can be used to foster meaningful conversations and understand the priorities and desires of loved ones. By asking the question, individuals can empower others to express what truly matters to them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A doctor shares how asking the question "if I had a magic wand, what would you wish for?" helped her understand a patient's true desire to have her anxiety go away, rather than just focusing on her cancer.

• The doctor switches specialties to hospice and palliative medicine and discovers that when people are aware of their mortality, what matters most rises to the surface.

• The power of the magic wand question lies in creating an invitation for people to speak their heart's desire, allowing caregivers to understand their priorities.

• The doctor highlights the importance of curiosity in discovering what truly matters to people, using examples of conversations with patients.