An acquaintance and friend of mine, Mike Shephard, just finished running a 50 mile run/relay for charity this past weekend. The Cuyahoga Falls Chamber, and others recorded the event, and I was amazed at how refreshed he looked as he crossed the finish line. I was also amazed that he ran 50 miles.
Who does that?
Mike did it for charity, but that didn’t seem to answer the question. He could have sent money to the charity. It was something deeper. Running 50 miles is amazing. I complain when I have to drive 50 miles. I do that adult sigh we all do.
Then it struck me. Complaining is an effort to disconnect, or distance oneself from a task, or group. Connection is movement toward, and a passion for a task or group. When we are connected, we feel that tug of the heart, a love, and we recognize we are a part of something that is bigger than us. We are connected.
It also struck me that there is a place beyond complaining. It is a place where we realize that complaining doesn’t do any good, and it is what it is. Connection doesn’t allow that. In connection we keep moving. In connection we are passionate and work to find the answer. We sacrifice for it.
So, in the past couple of days, my focus has been on connection. I have stopped complaining when the alarm goes off in the morning. I work to connect to my day. I connect to my job, and the people who work with me. I connect to my friends, and the tasks at hand. I have to admit, before this revelation, I connected very sporadically. That adult sigh invaded my day at least 2 to 3 times. That is no way to live.
Ultimately, the most pleasant surprise is that I recognized when others were connecting as well. I watched the front office staff connecting with the patients, and their families. I heard stories of connection between the Audiologists and their patients. I watched the front office connecting with the Audiologist. I watched for that adult sigh. It didn’t happen. The staff may not know how well they are doing sometimes, but I hear it from the patients who take me aside, and tell me how they have been reconnected to the miracles in their lives.
So congratulations Mike Shephard, and thank you for this example. You have been an inspiration.
WOW 50 miles! That’s awesome!
Yes, it sure is!
So true!!! Thank you Mike, thank you Dale!!!
Agree Gail! Thanks Mike and Dale!
Such a nice message from Mike through you Dale! I have ran some 5K’s and understand that to be tough. To imagine 50 miles is remarkable. It is such a mental connection with his running and his mindset. You made some great points in our connection with patients. Right on!
Love this!! I will work on connecting more today than complaining!!!
Kristie,
You do a great job connecting with patients!…Keep up the good work!
Rich