CEO, Tennessee Electric Cooperative Ass ociation
After all the cold weather we have experienced in the first part of this year, the spring weather is very welcome in my house-hold. Not only did the cold make our heating systems work overtime and increase our electric bills, but it drove us indoors. While I love sitting beside a cozy fire and reading a good book all by myself, there is nothing better than fresh air and sunshine with good people to revitalize our spirits and improve our outlook.
Less time spent out-side usually means less physical activity and less time with family and friends. The benefits of exercise are undeniable, and it has been wonderful to see the lone walkers and joggers back on their routes through my neigh-borhood now that the temperatures are milder. But even those great folks are missing out on an essential truth. While that run is great for their physical health, their mental health needs a different kind of exercise.
Togetherness is something that we often take for granted. We were made to spend time with other humans. Some personalities thrive on being extroverted, and some need their alone time. But, all of us need to be seen, be heard, be understood and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
When a group of people needs to focus their efforts toward a common goal, one of the most effective ways to align and improve is to spend time together. Think about all the different ways that happens in our lives. Summer camps. Corporate retreats. Family vacations. Playdates. Team-building experiences. Couples getaways. Sleepovers with friends. Early season out-of-town tournaments. Guys trips. Girls weekends.
It is the shared experience that draws us closer together and increases our understanding and empathy for those around us. Any high-performing group or team really is greater than the sum of its parts.
And while those shared experiences can take place just about anywhere, how many of them take place in a cold, dark and dreary place? Traveling south in the winter and north in the summer isn’t by accident! Even if chilly mountains are more your style than warm beaches, being outside is a common denominator.
But you don’t have to go far to experience some togetherness and do it outside. Your local high school is hosting lots of outside events this spring. While football under the Friday Night Lights is a lot of fall fun, let me suggest that Monday afternoon softball and Thursday afternoon track meets are great ways to get outside, meet some neighbors for the first time and take some pride in your community by rooting on the home team.
I’ll be at both the middle school and high school baseball fields a lot this month. Bring your most encouraging cheers, and say hello.
