August 2009

The choices we make determine our character

by Dr. Kevin Pallis and Dr. Edward Plentz

As time marches on there are certain defining moments in all of our lives. The choices we make at these pivotal "crossroads" determine the directions our lives take. Some of us make decisions that transform our lives and others make decisions that ruin them. That's the truth about life, nobody can make your decisions for you -- you alone must accept full responsibility for your decisions and learn from them.

A few years ago, we were working with a DC around the age of 30, a real nice guy, but a little too serious and conservative. He never really "got" or was interested in the healthier people, healthier planet concept. This chiropractor was focused on his financials only. He had various accounts for paying off his student loan, practice start up loan, mortgage fund, his college fund for three children, etc. He never really did much for himself or his wife in the way of vacations, travel, dreams, etc. He would say their time would come later, after the debt was gone, savings were sufficient, after the kids grew up, etc.

After about a year of coaching we received a letter from him very abruptly informing us he would not be working with us any longer. It seemed strange to us since he had grown very significantly, however he never "joined in." If he would come to an occasional seminar at all, he'd sit at the back of the room and usually keep to himself. He never embraced the New Renaissance contrarian mindset. He never "buddied up" with his brother and sister DCs, never brought his spouse or his staff, never got involved with our "Love Has No Color" world project.

We just received word from him that he is seriously ill. He was forced to sell his practice and all of his efforts are directed toward staying alive. He wrote some very kind words about being in our program and said it was "the best year" of his life, and that all DCs should be a part of The New Renaissance. We often wonder why he never took the opportunity to "smell the roses." so to speak, and experience all that our group, or life itself has to offer.

We've wondered aloud if he would have made different choices had he known what his future had in store for him. Not that he could change it, but if he'd known what was ahead of him, we're thinking he probably would have made different choices. While money is very important, there are things in life more important than money. Our hope is that this story will motivate and inspire you to live your life with purpose and passion.

What choices bring you joy and satisfaction into your life? Often we can get so involved in being instantly accessible that we become "dulled" to life and the suffering of others. We lose our connection to and compassion for people, along with our respect for ourselves and our profession. A type of depression sets in that's very common for DCs. It's from overload and not knowing what to do about it. What choices to make. When we don't have purpose and passion in our choices and our lives, we stop seeing the beauty of our spouses, our children and our practices. The choice to help others puts things in perspective and gives you the strength you need to succeed in any economic climate, anyplace on earth.

We teach our children to be compassionate especially to others less fortunate. Yet, what example do we set for them by our choices? Many of us as DCs have inadvertently stopped the cycle of compassion in our lives. Writing a check for a worthwhile cause is good. Putting forth your effort, spirit, and your check is a better choice. As many of our readers already know we have a world project called "Love Has No Color." It's about bringing chiropractic, hope and inspiration to a band of 11,000 Native American brothers and sisters. The Mentor IV group has a gift to share with our Native American brothers and sisters. They also have a gift to share with us.

Native Americans have a blessing for all people. May you have the strength of eagles' wings. The faith and courage to fly to new heights and the wisdom of the universe to carry you there. We are asking all of our readers to consider their choices and get involved in our world project. Whatever your current level of practice, you have a lot to be thankful for. This is your opportunity to choose to express your gratitude and also experience the gratitude of 11,000 Native Americans.

(The New Renaissance is a movement of passionate chiropractors dedicated to changing the world. The leader in patient education since 1977, the Mentor IV Coaching Program is a step-by-step navigational guide that embodies the very essence of The New Renaissance vision of healthier people creating a healthier world. Without patient education, your patients won’t “get it.” To learn more about The New Renaissance, contact world headquarters at 800-525-3879.)