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SNOOPY WOULD BE PROUD

By Reva Nelson
I remember a Peanuts cartoon from way back, University days (well, way, way back) that has always stuck in my mind. In it, Snoopy is standing up, leaning against a lamp post, wearing his spy-disguise outfit—sunglasses, briefcase, trench coat, hat pulled down low. He’s looking out, trying his best to look very suave indeed, and the caption states, "It’s so hard to look cool on a rainy Sunday afternoon." It resonates with me, because those were the years of trying to look cool, say the right things, impress people, worried about fitting in and moving with the flock. Get alone, away from the pack, and you could find yourself with not much to do. Impossibly, all the essays and work might be done, as much studying as any human could do for the day, and there you are, alone.

I think of it now, these many years later, because I believe that many of us have never found how to be alone, how to explore the inner world of one’s own thoughts, emotions, attitudes and values. When everyone’s running around, cell phone in one ear, workout tape in the other, laptop at the fingertips, kids, cars, teens and/or parents, lessons or lectures, commitments, weddings or funerals, when is the time to be still? I believe some of us complain about the lack of alone time, but secretly fear it. What would I do if I had no demands? What if no one called? What if I’m not wanted? I’m not making light of the incredible stressors most of us face, but how much of it is of our own doing?

Often during a seminar, there’s one participant who is called on constantly. He/she has to leave the room, return the page or message promptly, the whole shebang rests on their advice or decision. I know sometimes it’s true, especially with technology/ information systems folks, that a crisis may need him and only him. Or the doctor, or the trust company executive, or the head nurse. Yet, what I also know is true, is that company Presidents and Executive Vice-Presidents are often not called out; someone else is empowered to make the decision, or the decision waits. I’ve seen it time and again—wherever they are, they are present, not interrupted, not disturbed. So how can they do it, and no one else?

How much of the emergency is the person’s need to be needed, and the real crisis needing a response? And on the weekend, how much of it is urgent, and how much is it the result of not being clear regarding the priority? And if it’s your own life, how much is it the avoidance of trying to look cool on a Sunday afternoon, or the fear of coming face to face with the Self? If you have talked with an executive post-heart attack time, there is a real shift in perspective. So why does it take the major health crisis? I think there is real value in making the time to reflect on what’s important now, today, this hour, before it is too late. Empower someone else to be cool—you be in synch. Nothing goes better with sunglasses and a lamp post than a smile, and a self that is congruent with work, family, and values. Snoopy would be proud.

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