Life Is Too Fast
Recently, I attended the funeral of a very good friend, someone I expected to grow old with. He died of a massive heart attack. No warning. No time to prepare. One day he was here, texting jokes and sharing stories. The next, he was gone.
As we sat in the pews and listened to his loved ones share memories, one of the speakers made the comment we often say: “Life is too short.” But the truth is, life isn’t just short, life is too fast.
The days blur into weeks. The meetings stack up. The deadlines don’t stop. And before we know it, summer’s half over, the kids are back in school – or out of school and into their careers – and we’re wondering where the time went.
This Fourth of July, I hope you take a moment to hit pause.
Spend time with your family. Not just for the fireworks or the barbecue but for the quiet moments, the hugs, the inside jokes, the simple joy of being together. Tell your parents, your spouse, your kids that you love them. Tell your friends. Just being present without distraction is one of the greatest gifts you can give the people in your life.
And while we’re on the subject of giving, I want to talk about something we often forget to do for ourselves: getting an annual physical.
You work in healthcare. You sell to physicians, health systems, surgery centers, and long-term care facilities. You spend your days making sure others have what they need to stay healthy. But when’s the last time you had a full check-up? When’s the last time your best friend, your brother, your work partner did? In his Hall of Fame acceptance speech (while incredibly too long) Brad Thompson of NDC challenged the audience to get their annual physical and screenings. I’d like to echo that challenge here.
We think we’re fine until we’re not. And too often, we don’t take action until it’s too late. Getting a physical isn’t just about catching problems early, it’s about peace of mind. It’s about showing up for the people who love you. It’s about being able to watch your kids grow up, to take that vacation you’ve been putting off, to grow old with your friends.
So this summer, take the time – for yourself and for your family. Let them know you love them. And just spend time with them.
Because life isn’t just short. Life is too fast.
Wishing you a joyful, healthy Fourth of July and still dedicated to the industry,
R. Scott Adams
Publisher, Repertoire Magazine