May 25, 2017CoachVickyLeave a comment
My Daddy retired from the U.S. Navy when I was around six years old. He always had an anchor somewhere in our home. Richard and I have his anchor today. I see it every day and think of Daddy. I wish Richard would have known him.
I have many anchors from this cancer journey. As the year of “firsts” is happening, I am reflecting on many of those anchors. An anchor is simply a connection between a stimulus and a certain emotional response.
I feel safe when I go to Crestwood Women’s Center. I know Julie and her staff will somehow make physical, reassuring contact. It is a great anchor especially during those first appointments when I was in shock. As my six month mammogram is due in July, I want to keep this positive anchor with me when I re-enter the Center.
I know those of my family and friends who are true anchors. That is such a blessing! I have let go of the disappointment I have had with those family and friends who said nothing when they found out I had cancer.
I feel happier about my life and my life with Richard. For someone who has worked since 17 years old, this forced stoppage off the fast-paced treadmill has been another great anchor to reflect on our future. What surprised me the most at tax time, when we reviewed our income, was the realization our income did not really suffer despite taking greats amount of time off from work. I have a better anchor for work / life balance.
Richard and I were on the deck the other night reflecting about this past year. I commented that I just did not understand why this had happened to us. I still struggle to figure out the lesson(s) I was learning. He asked me if I wanted the answer and I replied, “Yes”.
He told me I was a better person. I wish there was an easier way to become a better person than a cancer journey. However, living and fully experiencing life’s joys and sorrows is what makes the journey worthwhile.
Leaders … What anchors do you give your followers?
Are your anchors personal, motivating words and actions that excel your followers to be better? If not, what are your plans to rectify this?
-VhS