She’s got my back, and my mouth.
She Makes Me Exercise
We all know that exercise is good for us, but I’ll bet that’s the first thing that gets cut from your day if you’re running behind. And I get that. I know you have commitments, and you are very responsible. However, if your drill sergeant is like mine, she’ll make exercise a commitment. Mine signs me up for activities that impact other people if I don’t show up. She knows that exercise builds stamina for those really long days. It helps us stay alert, sharp and healthy. My drill sergeant even makes me pay up front for gym time or court time, because she knows I hate to waste money. That’s love.
She Makes Me Check My Facts
You know when you know you know something and then you say it out loud and someone questions it and then you question yourself? I hate that. So does my drill sergeant. She doesn’t want me to look foolish or lose credibility, or not be 100% confident about a report I turn in, a presentation I give or even a statement I might make about whether roadrunners can fly. They can, by the way, just not very well. She insists that I doublecheck and often triple check my facts. This takes a lot of time and effort, but I know she’s looking out for me because she knows I strive for excellence. She cares.
She Makes Me Listen
Sometimes I can feel my inner drill sergeant’s hand over my mouth. She knows I’ll be more informed and have a deeper understanding about a situation if I listen first, and then keep listening, before launching into a reaction or firing off a question that may well be answered if I just keep listening. She’s also trained me to really hear what others are saying, not just with their words but through their body language as well. When she does take her hand away from my mouth, that gives me the opportunity to say, “Thank you for making it impossible for me to put my foot there.” She’s got my back, and my mouth.
She Makes Me Choose Hummus
Remember when ranch dressing was the reason for eating more vegetables? Before I even knew what zucchini was, I saw it served, deep fried, with a whole bunch of ranch dressing. Well, we’ve learned a lot about healthy choices since then and my inner drill sergeant keeps track of what I can substitute: hummus instead of ranch, fish instead of hot dogs, gluten-free muffins with flax seeds and quinoa instead of cookies made by elves. She wants me to live longer.
During the holidays, as we take time to gather with family for food and conversation, I vow to show love to my inner drill sergeant by embracing her wisdom when she says: This would be a good time for a walk around the block; let’s talk about roadrunners now; keep listening and smiling; and remember, ranch dressing is not a beverage. Happy Thanksgiving! FBN
By Bonnie Stevens
Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@gmail.com.
