“Enjoy the little things in life, for someday you will realize they were the big things.” ~Vonnegut
Russ and Laurel Youngstrom agree that it is indeed all about the ‘little things which are really the big things’. Nearly twenty years ago, Russ was paralyzed in a tragic accident at work. Life was changed irrevocably for him and Laurel and their then-2-year-old son, Spencer. The work-life conundrum is especially challenging for Russ and Laurel and they have a unique perspective:
For Russ and Laurel, work is all about life. They are motivational speakers regularly lecturing on the necessity for safety and good choices – inside and outside the workplace – in order to avoid tragedies. With all the ways they are motivating others, how do they rejuvenate? With plenty of espresso and energy drinks, jokes Russ. And a sense of humor! They also find fulfillment enjoying Sassy, their Brittney, and volunteering in the 2-year old classroom at church. They also enjoy annual fishing trips in Alaska with their son, and riding their motorcycle. The lesson? Do things for fun. Make time and space to do the activities you enjoy.
What advice would they give others about work-life? “Live life every day as fully as possible because you don’t know how long you have,” says Russ. In addition, he says, “Don’t take the little things for granted. I miss tapping my foot to music.” Be grateful and appreciative. Be present and focused on all the things that are meaningful in a day.
Being empathic is helpful too. Laurel says that you just never know what others are going through. Sometimes people’s challenges are obvious, but not always. It’s important to remember that everyone struggles and supporting others is not only the right thing to do, it’s also sustaining for ourselves. Russ provides support to others who are going through difficulty. One young girl, whom they met as a result of one of their safety presentations, calls regularly to compare notes on the physical challenges she faces because of her spina bifida. Russ can sympathize and also be authentic about what she can expect and how he’s coping – as inspiration for how she might also get through hard times. But Russ says that others are the inspirational ones. One recent high school graduate has gone through twice the surgeries he has, in half the time – a real testament to coping and to strength.
Russ and Laurel stay optimistic and forward-looking. “I’m a better person, now, in a wheelchair, than I used to be, when I could walk,” says Russ. He had to leave everything behind when his accident happened, but since then, all that he’s gone through has made him stronger. Laurel points to her faith as key to staying positive.
Russ and Laurel also play important roles in their community. They participate in fund raisers to help others, one of which is the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. They have a sidecar on their motorcycle and for sixteen years have given the ‘youth survivor’ and the ‘senior survivor’ rides on the bike. The lesson? Reaching out and contributing to the community are important ways to have more fulfillment and create abundance.
Russ recommends several tactics to keep life at the forefront and to make good choices throughout the day.
- Put a photo of your family on the dashboard of your car to remind yourself to drive more carefully and never to text and drive.
- Have a ‘family wall’ of photos at work or a photo on your bulletin board at your desk to remind yourself not to work so much that you lose focus on family.
- Share openly about your family while you’re working so you can connect with others – and they with you – about what’s most important: family.
- Also, pay attention to your intuition. Sometimes it is the small voice inside of you that will warn you about an unsafe condition and help you avoid an accident.
Most of all, Russ and Laurel recommend a sense of humor. “I’m saving a lot of money on shoes,” he says. It’s the little things.
You can learn more about Russ and Laurel and their motivational and educational work on their website.
Would you like to tell your story? If so, let me know by emailing me at tbrower108@gmail.com. Why? One of the foundations of Bringing Work to Life is abundance: the idea that it is possible to find fulfillment, have it all, and avoid the trade-offs between work and life. After all, work and life aren’t separate things to be placed in containers, but part of an integrated whole of a satisfying life. Another foundation of Bringing Work to Life is the idea of multiple right answers. As we’re all seeking ways to bring work to life – and bring life to work – we can learn from each other’s unique solutions and stories. I’d love to learn about your story!
Tracy Brower is the author of Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work: A Guide for Leaders and Organizations.