Finding the good

Hello, and happy Friday!

Since our news and social media feeds are crammed with negativity and inhumanity, I thought it might be a good palate cleanser to share some of the better things I’ve seen, heard and experienced this week.

First, please join me in remembering Robert Redford.  The actor and environmental activist passed away this week at the age of 89.  He’s been out of the film industry for a number of years, but most people of a certain age can name off many of his movies that were memorable and enjoyable.  My list starts with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” followed closely by “The Sting.”  And as a lifelong baseball fan, we can’t leave out “The Natural.”  Would also include “All the President’s Men” and the ensemble piece “Sneakers.”  

I was heartened to read so many nice tributes to Redford online, giving us a worthwhile diversion over the past few days.  I like to think that Paul Newman was waiting for him at the pearly gates, but that’s just me.

I work in medical sales and meet a lot of people, as you might expect.  But it’s remarkable how many of my contacts are so apologetic when they have to tell me that they are not able to break away from their work to meet with me.  I try very hard to express to these folks that I am potentially interrupting their important work, but they are nonetheless apologetic when these things happen.  So considerate, but what you might expect from people who are so giving.

Yesterday I attended a networking event and reconnected with several people whom I like very much but don’t see nearly often enough.  Along with that, I met several new people and they seem equally committed to doing the right thing for the population we serve.  Just afterward I met with a doctor who is on the front lines of mental health treatment and treats patients with medications and with therapy, depending on what’s needed.  He is a joyful man, a Desert Storm veteran and insisted that I eat something, even though his office manager and I had just come from the networking event where lunch was served!

Finally, I exhibited last night at a function staged by a hospital who is a client of mine.  They have had similar functions in the recent past, both called “Breaking the Stigma.”  They assemble a panel of people who are involved in protecting the mental health of others and invite the public to come and learn and ask questions.  They also invite people who are marketers, as I am, to help educate the citizens who come to gain more insights.  The CEO of this hospital made a point of coming to my exhibit table to thank me for coming to be a part of the event, and I thanked her in response.  She and her team, whom I like and respect quite a lot, are emphasizing what’s important for those who are struggling with their mental health and the people who love them.

The good is out there, we just need to take the time to notice!