“The Cap” and the Power of Symbol

December 2nd, 2008

The difference between mediocrity and greatness can lie in the power of a thought or symbol that has roots in the soul. anon

This morning, Sally Cudrik made the news! Sally is “the one in the white cap.” She is a (Colorado Springs) Memorial Hospital patient care-coordinator with 37 years of nursing experience. Sally is one of very few nurses who wear the starched white cap anymore. For her, the cap represents all that is good about the nursing tradition. And she is not giving it up in spite of the ribbing she gets and minor discomfort in wearing it. She is famous at Memorial Hospital with patients and staff because of her cap.

This got me to thinking of the power of symbols and a conversation I had with a nurse who had her cap in a prominent place in her office to remind her of the dedication and achievement the cap represented for her. The cap inspired her and symbolized her strength and competence─qualities she can call on anytime she needs to.

For reflection, what are important symbols in your life that you want to deliberately re-energize on your path to excellence?

Entry Filed under: Insights on OC