Dear Doctor:
Until now, the date “April 15” has conjured up the images and sensations of Tax Day, however you tend to feel about that -- but as of this year, there is another meaning bestowed upon this day. April 15, 1947 was the day that Jackie Robinson broke the color line in American baseball, and in recognition of that significant event, April 15 will now be known as Jackie Robinson Day.
This pivotal occasion celebrates the essence of the human spirit -- a brash resolve to prove one’s self, a refusal to accept injustice and an unwavering passion to do good, against all odds. The battle in this regard is far from over, but this bright moment in the history of freedom was a bold step toward what we all know can be -- a world that appreciates everyone and everything for its inherent value, without bias or judgment. While idealistic, a faith that such a culture could exist empowers us to continue driving toward a global embrace of the chiropractic wellness lifestyle. By applying this philosophy, we can envision a quality of life that is truly fulfilling, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and so become willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen in our sphere of influence.
Why Jackie? Besides being a great athlete, “Number 42” was a college graduate and a lieutenant in the Army -- he was smart, experienced, and clearly saw the gravity of the situation, realizing the stakes. While he was an accomplished player, he was not the best player in the Negro Leagues at the time – baseball wasn’t even his best sport, as he had starred in football and track at UCLA. But he had the right package that made him ideal for the enormous task before him – in addition to solid baseball skills, he had an intensely competitive spirit, and a fierce determination to carry out the “Great Experiment,” even if it meant swallowing his pride, not fighting back when everything inside him wanted to lash out against prejudice and hate. He knew he couldn’t settle for being just as good as everyone else – he had to be better, to set the bar so high that no one could doubt his right to be there, and that meant being strong enough not to take the bait, to avoid being lured into proving his detractors right with uncivil behaviors. He knew he had to show up even bigger, not just in the sport, but with his character – and that’s where he seized his opportunity to change the world.
This slice of American pie is as inspiring as any episode in our history, and points out the keys to cultural breakthrough – idealism, courage, patience, perspective, integrity, persistence, self esteem, leadership. We chiropractors can learn from this champion’s quest, that we too must step up bigger than ever, congruent in our message, with higher standards of personal and professional excellence, so that when we are examined, we can not only bear the scrutiny, but shine in the face of it.
When you educate people day after day about chiropractic, how’s your attitude? Do you get bored? Impatient? Frustrated? Angry? Exhausted? Feel like your path is endless? Remember the work of the pioneers who blazed the trail before us, and keep putting out your loving message of health and wellness. Leaders like Jackie Robinson motivate each of us to do our part, play as hard as possible, and keep the big picture in mind – a healthier planet, with chiropractic playing its rightful leading role.
Dennis Perman DC, for The Masters Circle
PS Our second quarter seminar series starts this weekend – “Power Tools for a Mega Practice” is filled with practical, powerful, profitable techniques for practice growth and management. Two of our guest speakers are Dr. Tedd Koren, patient education researcher extraordinaire, and Life West President Dr. Gerry Clum, presenting the cutting edge of X-ray technology -- for information or to register, please call 1-800-451-4514 or visit our website at themasterscircle.com. See you there!
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