Dear Son, life’s opponent is still a secret to you

Windermere Prep High School
Yesterday waiting to pick up a freshman from high school.

 

Often, in midlife, the game of life seems to be won by the opponent labeled conformity.

If everyone is following the path, the path must be good.

So we go through the motions, like everyone else.

Stick to the tried and true plan.

No harm, no foul.

Somewhere in midlife we discover that this was an epic deception.

Then, because we are decades into our life, there seems to be no hope of a comeback. We’re too established, too comfortable, and too afraid to change.

Unknowingly, we realize that silently giving up was also an insidious part of our adult conformity.

Dear Son, enjoy the ride as a high school freshman. Thank you for our conversation last night in the pool.

You are beginning your adult journey as many have before you and many will behind you.

However, i’m glimpsing a level of confidence and self-awareness that is blooming earlier in you than it ever did for me.

Conforming seems to be anything but your desire or goal.

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Dear Son, i want to spend time with you before you leave

quote about struggle
From someone’s Facebook update yesterday. Quote from Ralston Bowles.

 

When you dream, where do you draw the line on what you want to accomplish, personally or professionally?

In 2008, i dreamt that i could take a huge risk and leave a top 10 most admired company in the world to go out on my own and make an even bigger impact on the world.

Dear Son, all i want you to remember is that being intentional, focusing on balance, doing work (art) you love, doing work that benefits others, being ready when serendipity crosses your path, and being constantly grateful – this is the best recipe for peace and contentment.

For six years i didn’t quit my day job so that i could build a schedule that focused on you and Mom.

And now, with the eighth year (as an entrepreneur) one month away, i can see light at the end of the tunnel.

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Happy Father’s Day 2015

Running quotes
Today’s Sunshine State games is a special workout.

 

Today is Father’s Day 2015. Heading out the door before sunrise to drive to Punta Gorda for the 2015 Sunshine State Games.

Good health is the gift i give my Family.

Motivation is the gift i give myself.

Ever think of your life that way?

Three days ago in Ft Lauderdale, the USA Today caught my attention.

 

Donald Trump speaker fee
Who commands $1.5m per speech?

 

Disney Keynote Speakers Orlando Based
Three days ago from the Marriott Harbor Beach.

 

Hoping that Donald’s success in business rivals his success with his physical health.

Currently offering a world class keynote speech featuring the Disney Way in exchange for $1.5m $21k.

As business gets busier, the exchange rate will have to increase, simply because of demand and supply.

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Dear Son, this is your biggest ally

Orlando Airport middle school flight arrival
Middle School class returning from California school trip.

 

Dear Son, it has been a privilege and an honor to be your teacher (along with your Mother) for nearly 15 years. Thank you for being receptive to the teachings.

A positive attitude is your biggest ally.

It is yours to nurture and grow.

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In the blink of an eye?

Yesterday (Sunday) morning was quiet and peaceful until we heard the Mockingbird’s screeching. A rare sighting of a Swallow-Tailed Kite as it attempted to rob the Mockingbird’s nest of it’s contents.

The iPhone captured the photo as they flew overhead…almost looks like the Mockingbird is riding on it’s wing.

Nature is lovely and brutal in the same breath.

 

Swallow Tail Kite and Mockingbird confrontation
Swallow Tail Kite and Mockingbird confrontation yesterday.

 

Dear Son, reflecting on a Kentucky Derby party conversation only 36 hours old. With Bob, a Vietnam veteran. He’s on disability from Agent Orange. Just like our neighbor across the street.

Anyway, it started as an exceptionally casual, “How have you been? Please tell me your name again.”

It was a deep, dark, and sobering conversation in which i was mostly a listener.

It was a great reminder for what can happen to children who grow up to be adults. Hell can overrun a person’s life and rob them of hope.

When robbed of hope, drugs, alcohol, sex, crime, and other full-time evils overtake the person’s soul. Big time.

Hell is real.

The good news?

So is Heaven.

Expose children to both. Prepare them well. Really, really well.

Happy 15th birthday Chapin (been thinking about this for at least 100 days).

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