For the past couple of months I’ve been immersed in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that mandates individuals have health coverage beginning January 1, 2014. I am not a legislative junkie by any means and I'll refrain from stating any particular, political opinions about health care reform. Based on my background, I was invited to become a certified trainer to help get the state of Colorado ready for the Marketplace, which opens October 1, 2013. I’ve accepted the opportunity and the challenge, and through this experience of certification I’ve learned four important things.
#1 – There is no such thing as a simple solution to a complicated problem. We collectively talk and gripe about taking a KISS approach to life – the “keep it simple stupid” approach, and yet we all find ourselves tangled in very complicated processes, procedures and ways of living life. This isn’t just true with health care and insurance. I have to fill out a 3-page form each time my daughter wants to go on a Girl Scout field trip. All the potential things that can go wrong, now take simple things, like a “Yes, my daughter can go” verbal agreement, to a written release of liability form with attached immunization records. Complications have simply become expected and yet we spend enormous energy complaining about the complications instead of accepting them.
#1 – There is no such thing as a simple solution to a complicated problem. We collectively talk and gripe about taking a KISS approach to life – the “keep it simple stupid” approach, and yet we all find ourselves tangled in very complicated processes, procedures and ways of living life. This isn’t just true with health care and insurance. I have to fill out a 3-page form each time my daughter wants to go on a Girl Scout field trip. All the potential things that can go wrong, now take simple things, like a “Yes, my daughter can go” verbal agreement, to a written release of liability form with attached immunization records. Complications have simply become expected and yet we spend enormous energy complaining about the complications instead of accepting them.
#2 – Life requires a translator. I am highly educated and believe I have good critical-thinking skills with the ability to problem-solve and reason. Having said all that – I need someone who will help explain things, and sometimes even do things, for me. There are too many things in life that require our understanding. Sometimes it is just impossible to comprehend it
all on our own. Surround yourself with good translators who have energy and passion about understanding unique things. If taxes, health care, insurance or furnace replacement cause mental meltdown – find a good subject matter expert and let them translate for you. Asking for help can be the brightest thing you do for yourself.
all on our own. Surround yourself with good translators who have energy and passion about understanding unique things. If taxes, health care, insurance or furnace replacement cause mental meltdown – find a good subject matter expert and let them translate for you. Asking for help can be the brightest thing you do for yourself.
#3 – When life offers you a coupon – redeem it! We get so stubborn with our desire to avoid all complications (see point #1) that we fail to even recognize the coupons, benefits and subsidies that might be nipping at our heels. Sometimes it makes sense to look through the Sunday paper and scan for deals. Sometimes it makes sense to open up that store credit card if it will save you 20% on your first purchase. Whether we want to admit it or not, living in America provides many life coupons that can be worth redeeming. Gratitude is often the only appropriate response after redemption.
#4 – Be a good gardener. Good gardeners love to talk to other people about how they manage their perennials, annuals, weeds, vegetables and soil composition. When gardeners are good at their craft, the whole neighborhood gets to enjoy the fruit of their labors either through curb appeal or literal shared fruit. We need to garden our yards, our homes, our bodies, our children, our communities and our lives well. When we behave like good gardeners we have better returns on our health and our finances. The trick with good gardening though, is you have to start in your own yard!
#4 – Be a good gardener. Good gardeners love to talk to other people about how they manage their perennials, annuals, weeds, vegetables and soil composition. When gardeners are good at their craft, the whole neighborhood gets to enjoy the fruit of their labors either through curb appeal or literal shared fruit. We need to garden our yards, our homes, our bodies, our children, our communities and our lives well. When we behave like good gardeners we have better returns on our health and our finances. The trick with good gardening though, is you have to start in your own yard!
Who exactly knows what the returns will be with the Affordable Care Act? I hope for the best and through it all I’m learning to accept complications, keep my translators close by, hunt for those good coupons and pick my own weeds!
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