Have a Wonderful 2019

So, I saw It’s a Wonderful Life last Sunday night (on the Big Screen) and I think maybe George Bailey was the medicine I really needed.

I usually generate a Santa’s Wish List piece this time of year, quickly followed by a New Year Resolutions essay, but this time around…I wasn’t feelin’ it.

In fact, 2018 seemed like a marathon that added some hurdles, a little quick sand, and a few fire pits just to make things a little more interesting. And I know it’s all about the journey; but hurdles, quick sand, and fire pits can make the finish line look sweet.

And finally, after surviving one unexpected traumatic turn after another and just when we could see the finish tape (and a bunch of college football bowl games I couldn’t care less about,) two experienced and beyond valuable team members went down with a surgery and an illness. And then a pipe burst…taking out two treatment rooms and one Vespasiani (you’d know that word only if you were familiar with the Italian inventor of public restrooms.) Ugh, what else?

And who needs Mr. Potter when you have a property manager who wants several plumbing bids even when Dental Hygienist Louie is up to his ankles in water and the pipe is revealed to look a little like a more delicate version of the DNA spiral helix? And yeah, he’s the same guy who draped a “Now Leasing” banner across the width of our building as we negotiated a lease after wanting the space for a few decades.

But Sunday night reminded me (that without a Guardian Angel looking over your shoulder), pity parties aren’t available to adults. Maybe some of us who’ve attended many past New Year rodeos might indulge in being a little cynical or resigned…as in…here we go again. I was tempted; turns out, I needed some serious Bailey help. And as we welcome 2019, I can’t wait to get my hands on that beautiful blank page.

We are the author of our own life story…we get to choose. And what’s cool about next week is the chance to share the experience and turn that first page with friends.

I remember a night about 10-years ago, while speaking to about 300-400 people at the end of self-improvement program (I didn’t think I needed,) I realized the only true friends I had were on the payroll…and these days they’re more like family.

By the way, my family pulled together and made this December the most effective month it’s ever been.

And while Mr. Potter, aka the property manager, might not be a buddy yet, the only way we’ve ever made any progress is by taking a chance, listening…and having a friendly conversation. It’ll be a process, but we’ll figure it out, focus on the future, and move forward…because my family and I have a vision.

Our vision is generating 20,000 friends and family by 2022 and helping them be healthy as well as becoming their own best total health advocates. Not a bad way to decorate a pristine page.

And finally, to paraphrase Clarence the Angel, what I know for sure is, “He is successful, who has friends; he is blessed who has family.”

Have a wonderful 2019.