On Veterans Day, I decided to donate blood, and my wife encouraged me to try the Power Red donation. Mine you last time I donated blood was when I was 18 years old, so it was a long time ago!

Now, I’ll admit—blood and I don’t quite get along these days. Something about getting older has made me more squeamish, and the sight of blood doesn’t sit as well with me as it once did. But I thought, "If I can do something small to help, maybe I should."

So, there I was a little tense in the waiting area, feeling that nervous buzz in my stomach.

As if on cue to make things even more nerve-wracking, a woman beside me started to sway and, before I knew it, passed out cold.

Not exactly reassuring.

I wasn’t sure if it was the process, the needles, or just watching all those blood bags fill, but my brain was screaming, What are you doing here? Yet, I was committed.

I quickly learned that the Power Red process involves taking a lot more than a regular donation. The thought of it alone was dizzying, and I realized I hadn’t fully understood just how much they would be taking until it was too late to turn back.

But in the moments when I felt on edge, my thoughts turned to the Veterans honored that day. These brave individuals had given so much, often far more than we can truly understand. Many had made sacrifices that left them changed forever, sacrifices they made willingly to protect and serve.

That perspective kept me grounded. As I sat there, hooked up and feeling the pull of the process, I focused on how my small, temporary discomfort couldn’t begin to match the courage our veterans embody. They’d sacrificed their own comforts, safety, and much more for others’ wellbeing.

It felt meaningful to honor that by pushing through my own fears. After all, my donation could mean the world to someone else, someday.

Reflecting on that courage reminded me of something important in business, too.

The fears and hesitations we have are often obstacles that hold us back from making a positive impact and the fear of trying something new.

Just like giving blood, sometimes we have to face those fears and give it our all—even when we don’t feel fully prepared or certain of the outcome. Because pushing through fear isn’t just about what we stand to gain but also about the ways we can help others along the way.

Oh, and for a nice surprise, I got cookies and a pumpkin pie at the end as my reward 😎

To every service member: thank you for your courage, your strength, and your willingness to give so much for us all.

This small act was my way of honoring you, and I am grateful for the reminder of what true bravery looks like.

Create-Smile-Repeat,

Dan Frievalt M.Photog, M.Artist, Cr.