Notes from Steve

It’s now 2026 (I’m writing this on Monday, December 29th … life is closed - Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics - because if it’s a weekend in December 2025, then there will be an epic blizzard. It is written, and so it will be.) A couple of things I learned in 2025 that I feel the need to share.  

1. If it’s a blizzard or looks like it might become one, don’t plan on driving. We (and fire stations) hosted a bunch of people who became stranded* on the interstate because of bad weather. God gave us social media and smartphones so we can stay up to date on all things weather. This has been available for two decades. This is a valuable lesson to learn.
2. Habits don’t take two weeks - they take 66 days. I just learned this, and it’s important because I used to think that if I did something for two weeks, I’d do it for the rest of my life. Yeah, no. It takes over nine weeks to really set in. So, eating better? Exercising? Being nicer? 9+ weeks … but then supposedly, it lasts. 
3. Mom used to tell me two things: 1. Stop thinking about yourself too much (selfish), and 2. Stop being so concerned about other people’s business (nosy). I used to ask her if she wanted me to stop thinking of myself or other people? That drove her crazy. (It’s a balance, obviously.) I’m still trying to appreciate and understand the correct balance. What I’m worried about is that I’m too concerned sometimes about others and their dramas … and I need to be more “not my circus, not my monkeys”**. I’ve often said that we need to be our own strongest advocate in life. If we are too concerned with others’ lives - we are not paying enough attention to ourselves. How is your balance? Are you focused on your priorities? 

2026 will be an important year of change and self-reflection - at least for me. No plans as of yet what that will look like, but I’m trying to learn and pivot when necessary.  

*Lovely people - I went down and met. Different circumstances and reasons why they were on the road - but if you are going to drive in potentially bad weather, know the circumstances and call before you go. I read some comments on Facebook that unless you are an essential worker (clinical or police/fire/etc.) think about the potential ramifications of both yourself and potentially who might get hurt if you cause an accident. It’s not worth it.  

**I think this means “stay out of other people’s dramas”, and it makes me think of monkeys, so I’m using it.