Days 274-278 – The Power of Fun – Journal of Sacred Work

Joseph Cartwright is the CEO of a 500 bed hospital. He is intelligent & dedicated. He also projects, unintentionally, a stiff demeanor.

Although Joseph is caring it does not show. An employee party with a Hawaiian theme was designed to bring fun to the workplace. One executive suggested that Mr. Cartwright put on a Hawaiian shirt to display his lighter side.

Mr. Cartwright agreed. The staff was thrilled until the boss appeared wearing the Hawaiian shirt over his business suit, his tie clearly visible.

A key premise in my new book, The Seven Powers of Radical Loving Leaders (now on Amazon) is that we should take our work seriously, not ourselves. Caregivers must project a professional demeanor. But, it is exhausting to be serious all the time – and it leads to burnout.

To advance this point I made a two-minute video. Click above or click on this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDgZlVFvNmU

-Erie Chapman

Published by

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Categories: Reflections, Holidays, Spirituality

Tags: caregivers, Caregiving, Erie Chapman, fun, humor, persistence, The Seven Powers of Radical Loving Leaders

10 responses to “Days 274-278 – The Power of Fun”

Anne Milligan

August 17, 2015 at 7:57 am

Perfecto!!!

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~liz Wessel

August 17, 2015 at 8:06 am

This morning I shared your powerful message with like-hearted people who create magic with their humor, whether in the workplace or in social situations. Thankfully these good natured souls have a way of infusing joy in everyday life through the gift of their laughter. I can lean towards taking myself too seriously, so I embrace this beautiful reminder to lighten up by stepping out of my head and into my heart for moments of fun. My co-worker, Kurt Harlan has spread your tradition of saying “you are looking good!” Our co-workers often greet each other in this energizing manner. Children are naturally inquisitive spirits with a propensity for fun; I loved watching your interlacing frolicking with them. I thank you for today’s blessing, Erie.

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Don Tootle

August 17, 2015 at 8:11 am

Best years at OhioHealth were the Chapman years. We had fun and shared our joy of life with each other and the patients also. God bless you for those great memories.

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Erie Chapman Foundation

August 17, 2015 at 10:00 am

Thank you so much, Don. Those were spectacular years because of people like you (although you are unique) bringing forth their best. Seems to me that everyone benefited – especially all those patients you and your team took care of so well, Don.

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Erie Chapman Foundation

August 17, 2015 at 10:01 am

Thank you so much, Liz. You bring such joy and comfort to your colleagues and patients. I really appreciate your affirmation of this work.

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Erie Chapman Foundation

August 17, 2015 at 10:01 am

Thank you, Anne.

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JVD

August 18, 2015 at 12:16 am

For fun today i decided to get onto a ladder and paint the outside of our two-story house. Hard work but it is fun to see the change in colors. A bit of seasons in my brushes. It is ones approach to the day that makes it fun. Would you rather fly United and feel cattle prodded or perhaps a fun flight with Southwest or Air New Zealand. What are the flight attendants going to surprise us with today!
It is okay to skip down the street, play like an airplane and use your wings to soar around. When I look at myself without a mirror I see a twelve year old laying underneath a christmas tree, watching the colored lights blink on and off. I want to be happy so I feel it is just fine to have a few minutes in the day to play Snoopy and the Red Baron. Or maybe I will go exploring with Calvin and Hobbes. If I cannot find happiness in the things I am doing, it is time to find a new place to soar.
Try to take a picture everyday, or compose a paragraph of your unpublished autobiography. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the spices of happiness and joy. I do. In fact I have to. It’s in my name.
I would rather be dancing. Next month, time to learn how to sing. Sacred joy to one and all.
FYI Erie. If you look up fun in Wikipedia you will see a picture of children playing in a fountain. It is universal.

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Erie Chapman Foundation

August 18, 2015 at 9:44 pm

“A bit of season in your brushes” and a lot of joy and energy in your heart. You clearly know how ot have fun – and are eloquent in describing it. Thank you!

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Terry

August 28, 2015 at 8:42 am

To play like a kid is a desirable state of affairs! Humor indeed humanizes us even in the most difficult of times, whether as an executive, a father, a friend, or just as an individual human being.
Do anything fun today, please! It could become habit forming for a lifetime. Hah!

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erie chapman

August 28, 2015 at 9:41 pm

Thank you, Terry. I know YOU understand this wisdom and I appreciate you sharing it.

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