Apr 20 2009
Inspiration
Even in the depth of economic turmoil we witness refreshing events that take us beyond our immediate concerns and focus on the miraculous selfless acts and achievements of special individuals. Some would call them heroes but they think of themselves as just ordinary, everyday folks.
We have airline pilot Chelsey Sullenberger, Sully, who glided his jet and passengers to safety without casualties after having both engines quit from imploding birds. And just today, Captain Phillips, whose freighter was overcome by pirates and who offered himself as a hostage in exchange for his crew, was freed by the courageous team of Navy Seals.
How about the mass of volunteer’s sand bagging swollen levees to help their communities and neighbors – again, selfless and the right thing to do.
A few of these stories have national coverage but many acts go unnoticed but are equally inspirational and uplifting. For instance, take Dawes Eddy. Unless you are located in Eastern Washington (state), his story probably went unnoticed, even if you lived in his hometown, Spokane.
Briefly, the story is about Dawes, a 65 year old estimator and work out enthusiast, and mountain climber set out to be the oldest US citizen to scale Mt. Everest. Why you ask? Simple, he believes exercise and diet can slow the aging process and improve quality of life for our aging boomers. He also wants to send a message to our youth about controlling or avoiding obesity, not by words but by deeds, actions – his actions. He is willing to go to the end of the earth, ascend to the highest point on earth to send his message to motivate us to get out from behind our desks, computers, or flat screens and take control of our health.
Who is this guy? A family man of modest means. A $50,000.00 budget means sacrifice and he sincerely appreciates those offering to help offset the cost of his mission. When you ask him what he is doing in the off season, winter he responds, climbing Mt Rainer, alone. Hmm, okay.
This crusade and passion is not without risks. Only 13% make it and at his age getting oxygen into his blood is slower. He has had other risky climbs, once he tumbled 2,000 feet down Mt Rainer emerging with just a broken leg.
Unassuming, soft spoken – just wanting to make a difference. You make us AARP card carrying or not, friends, business acquaintances and younger generation proud!
Good Luck Dawes!
*Check Dawes and his progress www.mountainguides.com/everest-south09.shtml and at www.eddyoneverest.com.
Everyday inspiration?
How about your business and those of your customers that have managed to persevere stay the course without TARP dollars and financial lifelines up to this point. For most, times are still tight and no doubt will remain that way for the foreseeable future, but there appears to be a glimmer of improvement toward the end of this year.
You are inspirational to your family, employees, and customers.
Good Selling!