Gene and Joyce Dement reminded us of the importance of relationships—those with family, spouse, co-workers, and friends. Joyce shared her experiences in learning that she was responsible for her happiness. That is, she couldn’t depend on Gene as her source of happiness. She had to find her place, her role, in life. They talked about the work involved in relationships—whether it’s with a spouse, friend, family member, or co-worker. They encouraged us to take time to determine what’s happening in other people’s lives, and that this information often gives us insights into their behavior. Investing time in others proves beneficial as we learn to work and live together. The DVD segment on the way men’s and women’s brains operate helped us to understand some of our differences. We need to recognize and celebrate these differences, acknowledging this is the way God created us. Linda’s Thoughts: I appreciated Joyce’s honesty as she shared her journey of discovering her responsibility for her happiness and the ways she found a personal identity. It is so easy to believe a spouse will complete our identity. While being coupled may have been God’s original intent, reality reveals that some of us will spend part of life as single people. The earlier in life that we accept this responsibility, the better equipped we are to form and maintain healthy relationships. I loved the DVD! It explained so much about my interactions with male friends and co-workers. Often I move from one subject to another—they are connected!—the men are taking to make the connection. I need to communicate better that I’m switching topics. Let’s use this information to understand others better and not as an excuse for our behavior. I’ve thought about Gene’s comments about perfection—and the need for it as a doctor. (I know I want any doctor I see to be perfect!) While most of us have a greater margin of error, we still strive for perfection. A friend reminded me that perfection is unattainable and it would be better to think of it in terms of excellence. Excellence means we give our best to whatever task we’re assigned. We understand that mistakes happen. While we work diligently to avoid errors, we accept responsibility for them and work to correct them. Let’s start a campaign to renew excellence in all we do.

They talked about the work involved in relationships—whether it’s with a spouse, friend, family member, or co-worker. They encouraged us to take time to determine what’s happening in other people’s lives, and that this information often gives us insights into their behavior. Investing time in others proves beneficial as we learn to work and live together.

The DVD segment on the way men’s and women’s brains operate helped us to understand some of our differences. We need to recognize and celebrate these differences, acknowledging this is the way God created us.

I loved the DVD! It explained so much about my interactions with male friends and co-workers. Often I move from one subject to another—they are connected!—the men are taking to make the connection. I need to communicate better that I’m switching topics. Let’s use this information to understand others better and not as an excuse for our behavior.

I’ve thought about Gene’s comments about perfection—and the need for it as a doctor. (I know I want any doctor I see to be perfect!) While most of us have a greater margin of error, we still strive for perfection. A friend reminded me that perfection is unattainable and it would be better to think of it in terms of excellence.

Excellence means we give our best to whatever task we’re assigned. We understand that mistakes happen. While we work diligently to avoid errors, we accept responsibility for them and work to correct them. Let’s start a campaign to renew excellence in all we do.