We have a condo in SW Florida and try to spend as much time there as the demands of being business owners will allow. We use it to get-away and relax, but also as a good work-away spot to concentrate and plan. Ann and Ralph are neighbors who live a couple of units down, and who we have become friendly with. They are both 70-ish, retired educators, and in poor health. Ralph has had numerous heart surgeries and has back and circulation issues. Ann was an avid runner until she contracted lupus a few years ago, and now runs against time, chemotherapy and slowly losing her eyesight. They have a lot to complain about, if they chose to. We visited them last evening, and as always were amazed and humbled by their positive attitudes, engaging conversation and will to live the best lives that they can. Ann and Ralph are not in denial, nor do they suffer from dementia. They are frank about their physical challenges but don’t dwell on them. They choose to live their uncertain lives based on what they can do vs. what they can no longer do. I am reminded that we all live uncertain lives, and as we touch others’ lives as leaders, parents, friends, co-workers, spouses or strangers, let us also focus on what we can do, not what we can’t do, didn’t do or should have done. And the next time I’m tempted to complain about the weather or how much foam is on my latte, I’ll try to think about Ann and Ralph.
