Dad Said It Best

Don't be your own worst enemy. I see people (including myself) getting in their own way all the time. When we focus on ourselves and our abilities or vulnerabilities, we trip over ourselves. In contrast, when we focus on contributing to the solution and supporting the people around us, problem-solving and goal-setting become much more achievable. ...

I find myself often repeating the phrase, "Better safe than sorry," as we get back to ‘reopening America’ after months of lockdowns, shutdowns and stay-at-home orders brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. By nature, I hate the restrictive nature of helmets for bicycling, seatbelts for traveling in a vehicle, or wearing a face mask when entering a public space. But wearing a face mask really isn’t about protecting myself anyway. It’s about protecting those around me who may be more vulnerable to the virus. ...

How many 50- or 60-year-olds still have that sense of adventure that opens new doors, seeks new experiences, meets new people, and reaches new goals? While I can’t answer that question, it’s easy to identify which ones have a youthful perspective and which ones don’t. Those who continue to push their minds, bodies and goals with new challenges manage to stay young, despite their age. ...

“Take a chill pill” may be the modern equivalent of this ancient maxim. Give it a try. Before returning to hyperdrive, prepare to exercise your right to slow down and even say ‘no.’ It’s a liberating experience to not be dominated by anything. ...

Haunted by his own poor sleep habits, Dad didn’t want his children to inherit the trait which kept him groggy and foggy through daylight hours. He wanted us to get a minimum of nine hours of sleep, then wake up ready to take on the challenges of the day. ...

If you work hard enough to perspire, you build strength and endurance in the process. So when you hit a wall, you don’t give up in defeat. Rather, you summon up the ‘inspiration’ to try again with a slightly altered approach. Maybe this time you’ll discover that genius within. ...

“Never say never and always avoid always.” My father would quip this ironic phrase whenever someone’s absolute stance on an issue seemed absurd to him or whenever one of his children seemed too cock-sure of themselves. ...

“Begin the Beguine” was a popular song written by Cole Porter in 1934. To my father, it was yet another one-liner he’d toss into conversation for dramatic effect. ...