Douglas Flora: ‘Good fortune and happiness will come to the home of those who smile.’

Douglas Flora posted on LinkedIn:

“‘Warau Kado Niwa Fuku Kitaru’

Happy Monday!

This morning, it felt like my coffee was broken, and my herniated disc was acting up.

I limped from the car, trying to find motivation and get ready for the day ahead. As I walked into our flagship cancer center, I was greeted by a sunny, bright lobby, friendly and upbeat staff, and light piano music playing.

Then, I met a couple of cheerful cancer patients in the elevator on their way to doctor visits or chemotherapy infusions. Despite how I started my day, meeting these upbeat team members and patients was a healthy and needed reset. I am ready to attack my Monday now.

Lately, I’ve been inspired by the wisdom of Japanese proverbs, perhaps because I loved reading Shogun so much.

One that resonates with me is ‘Warau Kado Niwa Fuku Kitaru,’ which means ‘Good fortune and happiness will come to the home of those who smile.’

This proverb reminds us that a positive outlook can attract good fortune and happiness. I’m especially feeling this one this week.

Most of the good things in my life have come from maintaining a positive outlook and finding joy in everyday moments.

Small things—like a friendly greeting, a cheerful patient, or a bright lobby—can turn a challenging day around.

Watching cancer patients approach their treatment with grace, humor, and positivity is incredibly inspiring.

They remind me to strive for the same attitude, even when dealing with challenges like back pain or being 200 emails behind.

And if your Monday involves facing obstacles that aren’t as easy to overcome, try this one on for size for your Monday motivation:

‘Nana koro bi, ya oki.’”

Source: Douglas Flora/LinkedIn

Douglas Flora is the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, overseeing clinical operations, strategic planning, and the expansion of cancer programs. He is also the co-founder of the Center for Precision Medicine; Genomic Health.

As the Editor-in-Chief of ‘AI in Precision Oncology,’ the first peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to this field, he plays a pivotal role in advancing research. He is also an active board member of the American Cancer Society and ACCC, where he contributes to advocacy, education, and innovation within the cancer community.