Fall 2008 Newsletter: Victory Laps.
Original post date: Sept. 22, 2008
Meet Rob Rankin.
He completed his first marathon this summer. That’s inspiring. He set the goal and achieved it. Even more inspiring…how he stuck with his running goal and used it to support himself as he learned his father had a brain tumor that would quickly end his life. His positive perspective on life is what will give you the chills as you read this story. And we hope it motivates you to create amazing memories with your children and your parents.
When life gave me lemons, I remembered Live Dynamite.
This past February I stood up and told the Live Dynamite Circle, "I am smiling from ear to ear to having just finished my very first marathon on June 21st, 2008." Okay, now there was no turning back. I had to do it. After all, I had just told 25 people I'd never met before how great I was going to be.
What I didn’t know at the time was that in less than six weeks my father would be diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (a not so friendly form of brain cancer). And four months later my father would pass away. Another thing I didn’t know at the time was how much the Live Dynamite principles I had learned to apply in the Circles would help me get through this. (They continue to help me to this very day.)
Here’s what I’ve gained and what I’d like to share with you.
Perspective and gratitude. Clearly the marathon was not the priority in my life anymore. My training routine was tested on nearly a weekly basis. I knew keeping some level of momentum each week, no matter how small, would keep me heading toward my goal. I soon discovered my training allowed me plenty of "me" time, a rare find when you have small children. It became my time to pause, reflect, laugh, cry, remember and gain perspective.
It may sound odd that during my reflective runs I discovered I was very lucky. I became extremely grateful for the relationship and experiences I had with my father. While my father’s illness was by no means good fortune, there are others not as fortunate as I. A friend of mine lost his dad at age 12, another at 18. And neither shared the bond that I had with my father.
I am very grateful for our 43 very rich years together. My father was a major college football coach. As a young boy I got to hang out in the locker rooms, go onto the field during games and so on. We went to The Masters together. We sat on a hillside in the South of France and watched the sunrise over the Riviera after my sister’s wedding. And one of my favorite memories…sharing oysters and a cold Budweiser when we’d visit my parents in Florida.
Support and Accountability. As I continued to literally run towards my goal, the Nudges gave me a dose of weekly encouragement. I was reminded to stay focused on my goals and keep things going. I would periodically get emails or phone calls from Paper and Maryanne, offering added inspiration and encouragement. I would also get encouragement from others who I had told I was running Grandma's. Whatever your goal, I highly suggest telling people. It’s another way to keep you accountable.
The rewards of completion. Finishing the marathon was amazing. I was tired, sore and thrilled all at the same time. My hard work and persistence paid off and I could say I did it. Along the way, I learned a lot about myself. I was reminded of my values and refocused on the things that are really important to me. I found ways to make improvements in my running and in my life. And the rewards keep pouring in. A friend tells another friend I ran Grandma’s and the accolades start all over again. I have also met a lot of people who have run marathons. We’ve traded stories and I’ve built new friendships.
While completing the marathon was the goal I set and achieved. I received so much more than my medal. I learned that when life gives me lemons, it’s my perspective and response that matters. And I know I’ll always have the principles embedded in Live Dynamite to help me make lemonade.
Cheers!
—Rob Rankin
Meet Ginger.
It’s a story of how to successfully manage through change. Known for having exceptionally high energy, keen insights and positive perspective, Mary and Beth were early adopters of Live Dynamite. They came to the Circles to keep investing in themselves. Turns out the ideas that worked to give them an initial boost are what they drew upon as they felt the stress that often accompanies changes in business structure. What we love about their story is how they’ve learned from each experience and Spiraled Up when times were tough. We hope it inspires you to create supportive practices when change comes your way.
Making the best of a tough situation.
We are two small business entrepreneurs (and moms, wives, school volunteers, sisters, daughters, girlfriends and a couple dozen other roles). When we went through the Live Dynamite program in February 2007, we learned a lot about how to maximize our lives’ potential in many ways, but we never dreamed how helpful it would be when times were tough.
About a year after our Circle experience–long enough for our initial enthusiasm to fade–our current business partnership was breaking up. After five great years, we’d found that we were all ready to move on and start something new. Like all break-ups, it was emotional. Add in the complexities of dissolving a successful business among friends and you start to get the picture.
We were often stressed, felt a little fear, and we had no idea how to handle it. So we turned to the principles and practices of Live Dynamite to help. While we can’t say we followed the program to the letter (sorry, Maryanne & Paper), we found the most effective combination of tools that worked for us:
Setting goals. We decided that we would concentrate on keeping a positive perspective and staying focused on creating what was next. We set goals. And returned to them over & over when things could feel a bit out of control.
Positive thinking. We made a conscious effort to look on the bright side, find the best in every situation and laugh out loud. Many of our friends remarked on how positive & productive we were amidst all the change and upheaval. Now, we weren’t immune to the occasional downward spiral, but we pulled ourselves out of it as soon as we became aware we were sinking. We were determined to stay on course.
Owning it. We spent time reflecting on all of the lessons we were being given. We’ve learned that if the universe is trying to tell you something, it’s best to listen up.
Reframing. Change can bring a lot of unexpected experiences with it. We got really good at learning to see things from the highest perspective. We strengthened our communication skills. And we learned that nothing is as personal as you make it.
Spiral up. We read uplifting books, saw fun movies, drank lots of Diet Coke, did more working out, counted our blessings, and spent increased time with good friends. This part was great and frankly critical to getting through all of the change.
Belief. We believed that what was next would be even better. We noticed how unexpected support would surface just when we needed it. We used these examples to buoy our beliefs and our spirits along the way. We knew we were on track.
It feels so good to have the change behind us. We’re now able to put our positive energy into creating our new business, Ginger. Thanks to what we learned from Live Dynamite, we’re wiser, stronger and more open to life’s changes. In fact, it’s strengthened our belief that we create our success and so we’re expecting even bigger and better things!
—Ginger (Soon To Be Formerly Red)
