Changing Minds is a new Perham Health initiative that focuses on positivity, gratitude, and wellness. A positive outlook on life and a grateful heart are crucial to your mental and physical health.

By cultivating a mindset of gratitude, we can all change our minds for the better. In addition to the health benefits, people who practice gratitude regularly tend to show more compassion, kindness, and resilience. Jill Doll’s journey is a prime example of the incredible impact gratitude can make on our minds.

A Journey of Hope and Healing

Jill Doll has lots of experience practicing gratitude and knows the importance of seeing the good in the little things. Jill has experienced two life-changing events. In August 2017, Jill’s sixteen- year-old nephew, Jacob, was killed in a car accident on his way to school. This was a terrible loss for their family. Then, in May of 2019, Jill’s brother, Andy, was in an ATV accident. Andy spent seven days on a ventilator fighting for his life. After that, he was flown to the Mayo Clinic where his fight continued and he underwent triple amputation surgery. Andy spent three months at the Mayo Clinic in recovery. When it was time to move on to the next phase of his recovery, Andy told Jill that he wanted to continue his rehabilitation at Perham Living’s Transitions where Jill is the Director of Nursing.

When Andy arrived at Traditions in August, he was in a wheelchair. He had to learn everything all over again including how to stand and walk using prosthetics. There were lots of setbacks and lots of days that weren’t good. “You have to be thankful for the good days, Jill said. “You have to see the good in every day because not every day is perfect. Not every day is going to bring you the progress that you want to be seeing, but there is still progress every day.”

Andy managed to stay positive by focusing on what he could do that day, even the little things, and he stayed focused on how far he had come. How much he could achieve was up to him. He never put limits on what he could do. Andy was grateful that he got a second chance at life, the second chance that his nephew Jacob didn’t get. Jacob became Andy’s inspiration as he spent six hours a day in therapy.

Grateful for Every New Day

Through it all, Jill and her family stuck together, stayed strong, and supported Andy. They looked for the good things that were happening with Andy. “You can’t look at the negative things because that is all you’ll see. You have to celebrate small wins.” Jill said.

Through sheer determination, and inspiration from Jacob, Andy walked out of Perham Living just two months after he arrived. It was a very emotional day as the staff lined the hall to show their support as he walked out, ready to begin a new chapter of his life.

Andy hopes he can be an inspiration to others. “He wants to show other people that when you are given a second chance at life you have to make the most of it,” Jill explained. “You have to be grateful every day for the life that you are given.”

Jill’s advice to others trying to practice gratitude? “Find someone that inspires you. Focus on the positive things instead of what is missing. And be thankful for the struggles that you’ve had because they will make you stronger. Life can change in a moment. Don’t ever take a minute of it for granted.”

Stay tuned for more to come on the Changing Minds initiative. For more on practicing gratitude, read Changing Minds Starts With Me.