Notes from Steve

I was watching TikTok the other day, and someone said that older people (my age) couldn’t jump. I thought, “I can jump” … but then I thought, “When was the last time I jumped”? Sure, I can ride a bike and jog really slow, but jump? So, I’ve been practicing jumping, and it’s not good*. Makes me think of this older guy in a tiny winery down a gravel road on RAGBRAI last month. He was (obviously) having an awesome time and dancing by himself (and whoever came out of a nearby bathroom the whole time - my friend Julie). I think this is why I’m jumping - I want to be “that guy” who has fun regardless of age. I don’t want to be the reserved guy who allows age to define my boundaries.  

Iowa Hospital Association had a planning retreat in Iowa City a couple of weeks ago, and we talked about the state of Iowa’s healthcare and how should the state approach it from a bigger macro level. We talked about efficiency (“Does Iowa need 99 independent counties? All the school systems? 117 hospitals?” and “Who would make these decisions?”) and cuts and modifications that will either be thrust upon “whoever”, and “whoever” is going to be part of the decision. This is scary stuff. No one wants to be forced into closure or consolidation - everyone thinks it’s a great idea for someone else …

How does this connect - jumping and closure/consolidation? If you allow yourself to stagnate - not do anything to push your boundaries (risk injuring the hamstring, demonstrate worthiness as a community/county/hospital by taking risks and facing reality), you will be giving up your part in making the decisions about your future - they’ll be made for you.  

Stand up - be selfish**, have a plan, take risks. Dance crazy-like - even when everyone is watching. In the end - even if it doesn’t turn out great, at least you tried.

*I may have reinjured my hamstring – ugh. 

**advocate for yourself