The amount of effort it takes to keep things running, keep them afloat, and maintain things is extraordinary. The effort required for upkeep is extensive.
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We’ve all been amongst these conversations right?
“Are you kidding me?! What an IDIOT!”
“It’s so easy! If I was in the driver seat the first thing I would do is…”
Judgement and assumptions.
I’ve been in these conversations.
I once worked with a guy who said “first thing I’d do if I went to work for the city would be to fire whoever is in charge of the roads! Have you seen the state of them?! He’d be DONE.”
Now, my experience on the road allowed me a little bit of understanding — which was the understanding of just how much effort and resource it takes to get the job done. I’m glad I had this sense so that I could assume that things aren’t so black and white and the state of the roads is not such a simple matter.
What I definitely didn’t know, during the time of talking to this guy, was whether or not he was justified in being so upset.
It would be shortly after that I would start going to city council meetings.
Why not right?
I’m back home in Dryden looking to put down roots and begin the rest of my life. I’m born and raised here. I want to contribute to my communities. But, I’ve been away for quite some time, my access to technology showcases a view that goes far beyond Dryden, and without a local news paper and a transition away from radio — it is the truth that I know more about what’s happening all around the world instead of right here at home.
And so, I won’t bore you with the details of what happens at City Council Meetings — but what I will say for certain is that there are so many people dedicating so much time and working so incredibly hard with limited resources all in an attempt at trying to make things better.
But there’s something big to take away here.
The biggest takeaway I took from going to city council meetings is just HOW MUCH effort and resources is required to keep things the same.
The same.
The amount of effort and collaboration just to keep everything that’s deteriorating in working order is fascinating.
The ability to go to city council meetings showed that it was wrong to make the assumption that resources and manpower were unlimited, that there were people in charge who didn’t care, and that there is such thing as an easy fix to complex problems. Going to city council meetings showed me that things are in delicate balance, resources are limited, and that the people responsible for the managing and upkeep of all things have their hands full — as well as care deeply about the success of our city. The City of Dryden WANTS to fix the roads. The City of Dryden, its staff, its council — they all want what’s best for the city and its people.
It’s just the case that, like everyone, they have to prioritise and juggle so many things. The pages and pages of line items within each annual budget determining the wants, needs, musts, and “nice to haves” as they do their best in attempt to maintain and progress. We can’t understate just how much effort goes into fielding the unexpected, correcting previous errors, proceeding with plans, AND — changing and adapting plans in order to field the unexpected.
So shoutout to the City of Dryden. To the people keeping things running. To the people, everywhere, busting their asses physically and mentally at the city and beyond.
This piece has everything to do with how quick and easy it is to assume, to judge, to discredit, and to see what’s lacking instead of what is. It has everything to do with the acknowledgement that things are ongoing, uniquely difficult, complex, and all require attention and resources that are limited whether organizationally or personally.
We’re all just out here doing our best.
Some carrying more than others.
Some challenged with things that are beyond our knowledge or understanding.
I know I am often at fault for coming to conclusions without having the full story — but I’m eager to continue challenging this to see that I do so less and less.
Seek to understand.
Make fewer assumptions.
Give more credit.
Judge less.
Love more.
Peace,
-Kevin