CEO Perspective: October

A Day of Goodbye and Hello

“Make Today Count”

Sometimes life has a way of reminding us, all at once, just how precious it really is. Recently, I experienced one of those days.

On the same day that friends, family, and coworkers gathered to say goodbye to a beloved member of our CHEER family, I welcomed a new grandson into the world. There was sadness and there was incredible joy. There were tears for a life that had ended and tears of happiness for a life that was just beginning. It was, in every sense, a bittersweet day. It reminded me of something we all know but sometimes forget: life is short and we never really know how much time we have.

That realization has caused me to think differently about some of the things that occupy our time and our thoughts.

How much of what we stress about today will really matter a year or a month from now? Maybe even tomorrow?

Sometimes we need to step back and ask ourselves, “Is this really worth getting upset about?” If the answer is no, perhaps we should let it go. If the answer is yes, perhaps we should ask, “What can I do to make it better?” We also need to remember that everyone around us is carrying something we may know nothing about.

The person who seems short-tempered may be worried about a spouse. The coworker who seems distracted may have something happening at home. The friend who has not called may simply be having a difficult week. We do not always know what someone else is going through.

That is why kindness and grace matter. A little patience can go a long way. A phone call to check on someone can mean more than we realize. A smile, a kind word, or simply asking, “Are you doing okay?” can make a difference.

Also, we should not forget to take care of ourselves, too. Sometimes, we are so busy taking care of everyone else that we put ourselves last. Taking time to rest, laugh, enjoy family and friends, pursue something we love, or simply slow down is not selfish. It is necessary.

Welcoming a new life into my family also made me think about the world we are leaving for the next generation. I want it to be a better place, not just because of the big things we accomplish, but because of the small ways we treat one another every day.

Most importantly, we should remember that what we do affects other people. Our words matter. Our tone of voice matters. Our facial expressions and body language matter. We may think we are simply having a bad moment, but someone else may carry that moment with them for the rest of the day. Before we react, perhaps we should pause and ask: “Is my response appropriate for this situation? Is it necessary? Is there a kinder way to say this?”

We will all have difficult days. We will all become frustrated. We will all make mistakes. That is part of being human, but we get to choose what we do with those moments.

So, as we move into October, I encourage you to check on someone. Give a little grace. Let go of something that is not worth the stress. Take care of yourself and, whenever possible, choose kindness.

We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but we do have today. Make today count and make sure the people around you are a little better for having crossed your path.