We just received some much needed snow as February winds down and we head into spring. As I look out the window at 10 to 12 inches of new powder, I am not able to shovel and help clear a path. Why? On Feb. 2, I had back surgery to “clean up” my L4/L5 disk. What does this have to do with my business article? A lot.
We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. As a Colorado native, I believe this is the best place to live in Colorado. Many talk about quality of life as a key characteristic of a great town, and I would agree to some extent. It’s not just the quality of jobs or careers, but being able to have the job that gives you the life you want to live.
In addition, quality of life means quality of amenities and resources, including health care. Shoutout to Dr. Martyn at Spine Colorado and the team at Animas Surgical Hospital. I appreciate everything you did to ease my mind and make my recent surgery a positive experience. We are so fortunate to have you here in Durango.
Many thanks to the men and women who keep the roads clear so we can commute and travel in and out of the area. To those who plow while we sleep, especially over the treacherous mountain passes, thank you! Your dedication keeps supplies, food and what we often take for granted on the store shelves.
We are fortunate to have all of our emergency service providers. You are the ones we call, counting the seconds until you arrive. We may not know you, but we let you into our home to take care of a loved one in need, administering life-saving drugs and transporting them for additional medical care while we pray for them.
Shoutout to all of you who have shown up for work these last two years. I believe you are all “essential” because you contribute to the fabric of the community we enjoy and love. Take a moment and thank someone for their help, their service or their commitment. When you find someone who has a difference of opinion, instead of arguing or getting upset, listen to their point of view. Stephen Covey gave great advice on listening with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply.
I would be remiss if I didn’t say a huge thank you to all those who helped me during my recovery, including making meals, shoveling and checking in on me. Most of all, many thanks to the one who put my socks and shoes on for the last three weeks. You know who you are.
Don’t forget to take a moment to give a shoutout to those who make a difference and put others before themselves.
Jack Llewellyn is executive director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. Contact him at jack@durangobusiness.org.
