Dr. Kenney’s Friday 5 Spot
On Fridays I like to share some of the experiences I’ve had during the week with patients and in my personal life that I’ve found significant in some way. Hopefully, you find value in them.
A recent interaction I found important? Recently I spoke to someone I’ve known my entire life. Honestly, I don’t enjoy speaking to them, but I am always upbeat and courteous though I rarely get that in return. During our conversation, I was asked a question which I answered rationally and was immediately barked at for my response. Normally at this point I try to calmly defend myself or talk in a way that defuses the situation. In other words, I kind of lay back for the sake of not offending anyone. This time however, I just came out strong. I stated that it was my opinion and that I didn’t even care to explain why because I didn’t care if they agreed or not.
This was a good reminder to me that we are not indebted to take crap from anyone just because they are close to us. To get respect you must give respect and if you’re not receiving that, then it’s alright to avoid that person or circumstance. I decided instantly during that conversation that I was done paying mental rent to that person – I’m my own man and if they don’t like or appreciate who I am or what I believe then that’s not my problem.
A recent source of inspiration? There is a man in my neighborhood that is probably in his late 50’s/early 60’s that I see all the time pushing a boy in a wheelchair (I assume it’s his son or grandson) who is severely handicapped. The boy always looks very content and the father as well as he pushes him. I’ve seen them out in all sorts of weather, and I’ve seen them along roads well past my neighborhood. It inspires me that I see them so often because it tells me how important it is to each of them to be out there together. I don’t know exactly what can or cannot be communicated between them verbally, but I can tell there is a deep, loving connection between them that appeals to me especially as a father. When I see them, I always wave to them and am reminded that sometimes within the simplest acts, we see the most beauty.
Any advice for handling a tough day? I’ve gotten this question a bunch of times this week. In our current climate people are very stressed and on edge so having tough days is not uncommon. Personally, I handle this through routine. If I have a tough day today, I will simply get up tomorrow and follow my normal routine – exercise, good nutrition, enjoying time with family, etc. If I have a great day today, then I will wake up and still do the same thing. Sticking with a solid routine keeps you from ever dwelling on anything for too long or getting into a rut.
A book I love? A book I read years ago that has stuck with me is” The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg. This book is an entertaining yet scientific dive into what drives our habits, how they are formed and how we can make them work either for or against us. I’ve used a lot of what I learned in this book and I think you’d find it extremely beneficial as well.
Some quotes I love?
“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” – John Wooden
“Well you may not know this, but there’s things that gnaw at a man worse than dying.” – Charley Waite, Open Range
“Doubters and critics are like crickets, they make a lot of noise when you can’t see them but when you stand in front of them…they’re quiet as a church mouse. Follow your desires, ignore the crickets.” – D. McBurnett
Want more?
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- To see previous Friday 5 Spots, visit www.newbodychiro.com and go to “blog”
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