Please yourself

The local paddling group I started turned eight today. That’s not bad in an internet world where factions rise and fall on an hourly basis.

We’ve reached 1,750 in number, which puts us at the largest in the country, and possibly the world, and about double second place. More importantly, in my mind, the quality of the people is in the upper quadrant.

On this occasion, emails, notes, etc. of congratulations are coming in. That’s also nice, but some of it means more than the rest.

The messages from my peers in similar group have some weight. They know what it takes to accomplish this.

I’ve heard from a lot of well-meaning members of the group. I do appreciate that, but most have no idea what goes into it. They just open up their email accounts and boom, there’s a calendar of events. They show up and it happens. They are grateful, but I don’t believe most have given much thought to how it all happens to be there for their enjoyment. Some have, and their messages had more impact.

The family is a different story. We’re kind of a culture of anything worth doing is worth going for the gold. We expect to succeed or at least to have left it all on the field trying. So, what has happened with the group wouldn’t usually ring a lot of bells. Therefore, their acknowledgement of it meant a great deal.

And finally, who really counts in this and my harshest judge. Me. I’ve faced every misstep of all the events I’ve run and in managing the group. I’m not one to deflect responsibility, make excuses or cut myself any slack. On the other hand, I don’t dwell on the errors. Take a lesson, make the adjustment and don’t repeat the mistake. And, relish the victories.

In this case, my stringent taskmaster rendered a passing grade, which is what really matters. As Ricky Nelson sang, “You can’t please everyone so you’ve got to please yourself.”