Notes from Steve

In my ongoing quest/goal/desire to “move beyond” drama and emotion, I’m pulling away from watching the news and expending energy on things “not in my control”.  Included but not limited to politics, social media drama, rumors, gossip … 

Over the years - people have told me, “I haven’t watched cable news or invested any time in what’s going on in politics,” and I thought they were nuts.  “How do you stay up on what’s going on?” I would ask.  “I don’t care - my emotions aren’t going to affect how things are done on a big scale. I’ll vote, but not get caught up in the drama,” they would tell me.  Again, confusion on my part.

Then I thought … the change that I can affect is on the local, state, and rural healthcare perspective.  Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics led the state on rural EMS financing (and designating emergency services as an essential service), and this impacted a lot of rural communities in a positive way.  Our involvement with Studer helped rural hospitals throughout the United States improve by setting the example.  In IT, in nursing, in operations - we continue to set the bar higher and higher.  Our involvement on local levels - community gardens, daycare, dog parks, new businesses, economic development -- this is where my energy should go.

So … I ask myself … what is going to change? My answer is, “Steve, listen to and play more music, read great books, talk to friends, ride your bike, run … skip the political pundits and media garbage designed to pull you in and stoke your emotions.”  

Yep. I get it.