Years ago, I signed up for a class on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). I wanted to learn how to respond in the event of an emergency, and walked into the classroom feeling curious and a bit nervous. No idea what to expect.
Class began early in the morning. My fellow students and I settled into our seats, sipping to-go cups of coffee, and
the room buzzed with polite chatter. The instructor came to the front of the room.
“Who can tell me why it’s important to do CPR?” the instructor asked.
We stared blankly at her. Eventually, one brave student ventured, “To save someone’s life…?”
The instructor smiled and
said, “Correct. To help save a life in situations where someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally.”
She added, “But what if it’s not possible to save their life? What if, despite doing everything correctly, the person cannot be saved? Is it still worth it to attempt CPR? Should you still try?”
The other students and I weren’t sure. More
blank stares.
The instructor continued, saying, “Yes. You should still try. Trying is always worth it, and here’s why…”
She explained that it’s important to attempt CPR, even if the person doesn’t make it, for the following reasons:
1. People will see you in
action.
When a bystander sees you performing CPR, they might think, “I should learn how to do CPR, too.” That person might sign up for a class and go on to save someone’s life in the future. Because you tried.
2. You will provide peace of mind to those who are grieving.
Family members won’t have to agonize, wondering, “But what if someone had known CPR?” They will know that every possible action was taken to save their loved one. Because you tried.
3. Somebody else might get to live.
Even if the person is dead and can't be revived, by
doing CPR, you keep blood circulating to their organs. This increases the likelihood that an organ will be viable for transplant into someone who is desperately waiting for a new heart, kidney, or liver. If the deceased person is an organ donor, you'll be fulfilling their final wishes. You will save a life—even if the life you’re saving is not the person lying in front of you. Because you tried.
A decade later, I still
remember those words: “Trying is always worth it.”
Not just when it comes to CPR, but in every realm of life. Caring is worth it. Making an effort is worth it.
Even if the election doesn’t go the way you hoped. Even if the business doesn’t take off. Even if the goal isn’t achieved. Even if the relationship ends.
When you try, you don’t always get the specific outcome that you want. And yet, the act of trying creates a ripple effect that is bigger than you.
Trying is not a waste of time.
Trying is hope in action.
-Alex
