The Lost Key - The Good Men Project

Perspective is important. Sometimes a change of perspective is important. A recent loss tested this theory.

Last week, I took my kids to their swim practice, planning to run while they swam. To prepare, I put on running clothes, filled a water bottle and packed my running bag.

We got to the pool, they met their team, and I walked to a park to warm up. Near the pull-up bar, I put my car keys on a bench, drilled capoeira movementand completed a set of climbers Ten minutes later, I grabbed my gear and left.

After a mile, sweat covered my forehead, and I lost myself to the music on the headphones. Oblivious to space, time, and the hole in my running bag, I jogged for 13 miles. I felt the flow, but returned to the pool before my kids finished practice.

My son came out as I stretched. We smiled at each other for a moment before I frowned as my fingers slipped through a hole in the stitching of my pouch.

Panic set in when I returned to the park and saw wood chips, birds chirping and gravel. Inside, I said, “Maybe someone found the key.”

I took a deep breath and headed to the lost and found side of the pool. No one returned the keys.

Embarrassed and frustrated, I called my wife and explained the situation. He sent my middle child to the pool parking lot with extra stuff on his bike.

“Hey dad!” Within minutes my son arrived.

I put his bike in the car, and we drove home. Inside the garage, I called the dealer to ask about getting another key.

“I don’t have that key in stock, but I can get it here tomorrow. It will cost you about $340 to replace it,” said the parts rep.

“Thank you, but give me another 24 hours before I decide.” I left the phone and opened the car door.

Within minutes, I wheeled a bike out of the driveway with my son in tow. We combed every part of my running path, but we couldn’t find the key.

A few days later, still frustrated and determined not to spend nearly $400 on a key, I retraced my steps on another run. This time instead of music, I listened to a podcast episode where a mother shared about losing her son. His loss put my lost keys in perspective.

Compare losing a child to losing a key, a toy or a job. you can’t

Some losses are not as important as we think. At this point, they feel heavier than our shoulders can bear, but they are insignificant.

Does it matter that the Knicks had a historic comeback in Game 4 of the Finals? If you live in NY, yes.

When I initially realized that I had lost my keys, I was upset. Rage inspired me to complete a solo duathlon when I cycled back on the road on a crazy mission.

It could be a lot worse.

Recently, two teenagers in my community stole a car and killed a parent of four while fleeing from a police chase.

In Chicago news, former Bulls player Stacey King and respected funeral director Spencer Leake have died.

One perspective on the Carmelo Anthony case called him a murderer; Another said he acted in self-defense. Some have claimed that race matters in the 35-year sentence, while others disagree.

Consider your current problem and think whether it is worth devoting your attention and energy. It can be difficult to disconnect from the problem at this point, but give it time.

Take a deep breath and recognize, “This too shall pass.”

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This post was Formerly Dr. Vernon C. Published on the Lindsey, PhD blog.

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