Author: armstrong.wou@gmail.com

LESSON 2–Trust in Yourself

It is only through labor and prayerful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.–Theodore Roosevelt

In our last lesson, I asked you to trust in God —above anything (or anyone) Trust in God. In trusting him, understand that he has given you all the talents and gifts you need to succeed in your Purpose. Never doubt your abilities. You may not always succeed but realize that it is in failure that you learn and grow. It is in failure that you grow stronger. Each failure is a lesson learned and a step closer toward success. Know that you have the capability to learn from your mistakes and ultimately succeed. It has wisely been said that failure only comes with not trying. Eleanor Roosevelt wrote in You Learn by Living that “failure comes to everyone, except when one does nothing at all, which is in itself failure” (p.154).

My friend, Dale Schurter, pastored my church in New York when I lived there. He learned from his father, an Oklahoma farmer, and I pass it on to you, that “’Can’t’ never done nuthin’.” In other words, nothing will be accomplished when you begin with the notion that you are not capable. You can do anything to which you set your mind. Will you always do it well? Probably not. No person is so gifted that they can do everything well. I would not want a gifted mechanic repairing a faulty valve in my heart; nor would I want a gifted heart surgeon repairing a faulty valve in my car. Ephesians 9:10 reads: “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might….” If you have an interest in something; if you try, you will succeed. Keep in mind, though, that you might not necessarily do it with the greatest of ease or perfection. The greatest satisfaction in life, however, comes in overcoming obstacles and doing something that has challenged you. Denis Waitley wrote that “the greatest limitations you will ever face will be those you place on yourself” (Being the Best, p. 73). Try, and you will succeed.

As a young person, you have not even begun to realize your potential. You are searching for those things that you enjoy and can do well. In the process, try many things. One of the many gifts my parents gave me was to expose me to a variety of activities as a child. I learned to try the foods of different cultures, to appreciate the arts, to be physically active, and to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to my parents, I am as comfortable in a suit and tie as I am in shorts and a t-shirt. I am as at home in the city as I am in the country. I can enjoy the assortment of tastes and appreciate the diversity among God ‘s people. I can tap into both sides of my brain, and I can enjoy the theater or art museum as much as a good football game.

I remember fondly Saturdays in the fall as a child. Mornings were spent at Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh at art classes. Dad would pick me up, and I would change into my football uniform in the car in the Liberty Tunnel on my way to my Little League game. I became neither a world-renowned artist nor an NFL football star (nor was I necessarily a high school standout), but I learned about myself and grew as a person.

As an educator, I appreciate the value of a liberal education in an age when we are becoming increasingly specialized. I’ve been told that we (PhDs) learn more and more about less and less until we know all there is about absolutely nothing. This should not be the case. Yes, develop your greatest gifts, but also find interests on the side that will make you a well-rounded person. And, when you find those things that interest you, do them with all your heart. Be passionate about everything you do. If you take this approach, you will succeed.

You will battle with self-doubt. We all do. You will hear from people that you lack the capacity to succeed. You will be told that you are inadequate and that you are not suited for the task at hand. Don’t listen to these people!! Turn your back to them and seek out those who will be supportive. When you can’t find supportive people, don’t worry. Remember that God is in your corner, and you can Trust in yourself. You can, and you will.

Your greatest enemy is self-doubt. Remember the Armstrong motto: Invictus Maneo—”I remain unvanquished.” Only you can determine your success or failure.

I may be beginning to sound like I am telling you that will always be capable of doing anything at any time. I am not at all implying that you can do everything, at this moment. You can do anything that you determine to devote yourself to doing. If you told me that you wanted to climb Mount Everest, I would support you. Would I encourage you to book the next flight to Tibet? Absolutely not! Most anything you do will require significant preparation and time. In the process of accomplishing your goal, you will undoubtedly face setbacks and disappointments. But with continued effort—and proper preparation—you will succeed. To run a marathon begins with one step. As you train and prepare, you grow and adapt. You become more and more suited to your goal.

Remember that you will not be the best at everything—perhaps not anything. You can be the best you can be, though. Know your limits and strengths and capitalize on these. I used the example of running a marathon. Be realistic in your goals. If you want to win the Boston Marathon, you might be setting yourself up for failure. You may lack the physical potential to “win”. If you are built like an NFL lineman, there is no chance of winning, so consider what you are pursuing. If you choose to simply finish the race, then, no doubt, you can. Likewise, a 135-pound runner should not consider trying out for the offensive line. However, heart can often overcome physical limitations. It the 1970s, Rudy Ruettiger set his sights on becoming a member of the Notre Dame Football team. His small size would not hold him back. Note that Rudy did not aspire to be a starter on the team. He sought to be a member of that team, and he worked his tail off to be a contributing member of the team. More importantly, Rudy inspired his teammates to play to their potential.

While I am inspired by the accomplishment of the underdog overcoming great obstacles to achieve greatness, I am completely turned off by prima-donna athletes who display little work ethic. If you are gifted with incredible talent, you owe it to your Creator—and others—to develop those talents. We see countless examples of tremendously talented athletes, actors, writers, musicians, and others in the public eye, who, when not performing, find themselves in trouble with drugs, violence, and other vices. You are obliged to become the best you can be. If success in one area comes easily—if success requires little effort and practice, then perhaps your excess energies can be diverted to other area. Use these energies to contribute to the success of others. Teach your skills to others. Volunteer your time to others in need. Be an asset you your community. Share your gift and the fruit of that gift with others. We will visit this in greater detail in Lesson 7: Love Your Neighbor.

Carpe momento!!

© W. Jeffrey Armstrong, 2022

As my son approaches his 17th birthday and Senior year of high school, I decided to revisit the pages I wrote for him around the time of his birth. I was curious to see how my admonishments might have changed and I wanted to update it to prepare him for college and life beyond high school. Surprisingly, my edits were only minor grammatical or spelling changes that I had missed in the earlier drafts. I share them here (in serial format) for Liam….

Lesson 1–Trust in God

As you venture forward in life you will face the spectrum of experience. You will know heartache—a lot of heartache. You know success, and you will know failure. You will have great confidence, while at other times you will tremble in fear. You will know good, and you will battle evil. Life guarantees no easy path. And this is a blessing—yes, a blessing. For it is only when we are challenged that we grow—Physically, Spiritually, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially.

      Know this—that you will never be tested beyond what you are capable of enduring. We will speak later the topic of trials, but as Nietzsche wrote: “that which does not kill us makes us stronger.” There are reasons for every experience. These—good or bad—are to develop you into the wonderful person you are to become.

      Though at times you may feel that you are walking alone in the shadow of death, fear not, for your God is with you and will never leave you or forsake you. He is the Almighty. There is nothing that is out of his control or reach. If you feel lost or forsaken, hold fast. Soon enough, you will again feel his presence beside you. He was always there. It is, however, in times of great trouble and despair that we tend to think that we have to go it alone. We take our eyes off our Lord. Like in the poem, “Footprints in the Sand”, we see only one set of footprints and fail to realize that it is because he is carrying us. Trials and difficulty, like the worst of hurricanes, soon pass. Always remember to “play after every storm.” For it is only after the storm that you will see that God was always there with you and has carried you. He allows you to experience difficulty for his Purposes. It may be to build character in you. It may be to build compassion in another. Whatever, it is for his plan—and his is greater than any we could ever imagine!

      God should be in everything you do. Your thoughts and your actions should reflect him. Will you be perfect in this? Of course, not. No one expects you to be perfect. Only Christ was perfect in the flesh. But you must strive for this perfection. This is your life’s greatest Purpose.

      Who is God? Many have asked this question. No one can answer this perfectly. But in a word, he is “love.” Love is the very essence of God. God is perfect love—that of which we, in the flesh, are incapable. We are admonished to love our neighbor and to love our enemies. The Bible tells us that “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (I Cor. 13:4-7, NIV).

      The labels of modern faith do not bind our trust in God. Pure religion, we are taught, is to care for the widowed and the orphaned (James 1:27)—that is, to care for those in need. Make this your religion. You will know people of countless professions of faith. Know that none of these have a lock on God. Respect all faiths—Buddhist, Muslim, Jew, or Christian—all who desire to follow God. Respect those who are without faith, as well, for it is they who need your love the most. In the end, we will all have to answer for how we lived our life, and be certain, not one of us will have lived it perfectly. Be a friend to all, but in all your relationships include God.

      You will find God in everything. Everything is an expression of God. Therefore, respect everything and everyone. Let each day begin and end with a conversation with God. Pray continually. This sounds impossible, but what it means is let God enter every facet of your life—every decision, every action, and every relationship. This means, trust in God!

      Hindsight is 20/20, but we are blind when it comes to the future. For God, however, there is no beginning or end—no past or future. God is eternity. He knew you before your conception. He knows your end. He has set before you a course. Along that course are many roads. At each fork in your path, you will decide. Each road will lead you to your next destination, but the experience along the way will not be the same. You may take the easy road, or you may take the hard road. And trust that the easy road is not always the best road. There are experiences down even the hard road that are necessary for your future success. The key is to seek God ‘s direction. Do not rush down just any path—for, certainly, you will make a wrong turn. Trust in God. Lean not on your own understanding. Seek guidance.

      There will be times in life when you “know” what you absolutely must have. You will pray in earnest for this one thing. You will ask God and wait. Sometimes you will receive just what you asked for. Sometimes you must wait. Many times, the answer will be a resounding “NO.” You will be tempted to plead with God. And, sometimes, he may, after repeated petitions say, “Yes.” But, when the answer continues to be the negative, accept that this is in your best interest. God has something else in mind.

      I have always enjoyed the Garth Brooks song, “Unanswered Prayers.” Someday, when you go back to a football game at your high school, you will run into that “old high school flame” and realize just how unsuited you were for each other. If, however, you have been trusting in God along the way, you will turn and look at your wife and “thank God for unanswered prayers”—I certainly do! Your father waited over 40 years to meet your mother. But, in that year he was flooded with blessings beyond belief. Along with marrying the woman God intended for me, your conception and birth are the answer to years of unanswered prayers. However, my prayers were always answered—just not according to my schedule. Be patient. trust in God.

      When you find yourself on difficult path, ask God for strength and guidance. The experience that you are going through is a blessing. It is often hard to comprehend how the apostle Paul could tell us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2, NIV). No one wants to hurt. No one wants to suffer. Trials are not fun. Heartache is painful. But, wounds heal, and broken bones mend. In fact, the scars strengthen the tissue that remains. Paul teaches us that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).

      Knowledge of human physiology tells us that the body is adaptable. To adapt, however, it must be stressed to a level greater than that to which it is accustomed. Likewise, if it is under-stressed, it can revert to a lower level of functioning. Therefore, you should welcome the opportunities to grow—to become stronger. God wants you to develop character. To do this, he must let you be tested. He will never let you experience more than you are capable of handling. Nor will he leave you alone, without a means of deliverance from your trials.

      Accept, too, that your suffering may be for the edification of others. Likewise, others suffer for your sake—therefore, never turn your back on someone in need. Have compassion. Help, as you are able. Minimally, you should pray for them and that God ‘s will be done. Remember that we are all on this earth for a divine Purpose and affect one another, whether we realize it or not. You never know who your actions may affect. You will find that there is much validity to the principle of “six degrees of separation”—that is, that we are less than six people removed from anyone in the world. So, you never know the extent to which your example will affect others.

            Trust in God! Live your life accordingly. As you read the lessons that follow, do so with the understanding that God is the center of your life.

Carpe momento!

©W. Jeffrey Armstrong, 2022.

This is my 60^th Father’s Day (I was a month and a half for my first) and my 17^th as a father. Fathers are never perfect. They aren’t meant to be. They are meant to direct us to a better us. We rarely see the blessing of our fathers when we are young. It is most often that we see in our reflection the influence of our fathers—and for many of us we see the reflection of our fathers.

Many celebrate the day with a sense of loss. Some with a bitter taste of abandonment. I am blessed to still have my father with me. I know I will always have him with me, as I will always have the memories and the reminders in myself.

My father is not perfect, but he is the perfect father for me. I would not be who I am without his influence. Thank you, Dad!

I am not a perfect father—far from it. I try. I make mistakes (a lot of mistakes), but despite my shortcomings, I trust that experiences and relationships my children are making are for God’s Purposes. I see reflections of myself, my father, my father-in-law, and my Creator Father in my children—more so with every passing year.

I celebrate today with grattitude and the hope that I will be my best today and be better tomorrow.

To all fathers, thank you and bless you. Moreover, may the fruit of your fatherhood be a blessing to others.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

[As I intended to type “carpe momento” above, by brain began to type one of my mantras—“I am third.” Perhaps, it is a subtle message to me from the Universe about my mission as a father?]

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”—Albert Einstein

Growth is the very definition of life. According to John Henry Newman, “Growth is the only evidence of life.” Einstein focused on the Intellectual. As an exercise science professor, I often focus primarily on the Physical, but I also contend that one cannot separate the Spiritual and the Physical and that these are the very foundation for Intellectual, Emotional, and Social well-centeredness. Thus, to paraphrase Einstein: well-centered growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.

Purpose in life is to grow—kaizen. We are not to achieve perfection. Rather we are to pursue perfection.

We must have a daily growth plan. There must be a process. Much like with performance-driven exercise, there must be a strategy that involves progressive overload—a periodization plan that focuses on growth potentiation. (This is why I structure wellness as an ever-expanding pyramid rather than a divided pie as it is often depicted.)

I find the Spiritual and the Physical inseparable because I regard everything as Spiritual. The Spiritual dimension of well-centered fitness considers one’s place in the Universe—that there is something greater than self. Growth in the Spiritual dimension considers this “other-centeredness.” We cannot attain our Purpose without a Physical presence. Thus, focused growth in the Spiritual and Physical dimensions potentiates growth in the counter-part. Likewise, growth in these dimensions feeds the will and ability to grow Intellectually. In turn, leading to growth potentiation in the Emotional and Social dimensions. These, in turn, potentiate Spiritual and Physical growth, and the cycle repeats.

The target of perfection is an asymptote. It is only death that we should end this pursuit.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

“I have always believed that process is more important than results.’’—M.S. Dhoni

I have the opportunity to coach strength and conditioning for my son’s high school wrestling team. We started this week and most of the athletes are true beginners in the weight room. Many are also under the influence of the Internet. I am working to lay a foundation and have a plan for them (in the strength and conditioning field it is referred to as “vertical integration”). I believe in simplicity and progression. For some (most at this stage) there is a need to develop technique and movement mastery before adding weight and doing complicated moves. Unfortunately, simple (and effective) is not always as sexy as what the athletes see on social media. I am having to convince some to “trust in the process.”

In considering what I might write about in this posting, I came across the above quote. I get what the author is saying, but I would contend that the process is the result. What I mean is that without the process there is no result. What we do or don’t do to accomplish our goals affects the outcome. The results are important. Otherwise, what is the point? There is no need for a process unless there is a goal. The process and goal cannot be separated. The results are indeed dependent upon the process, but the result should drive the process.

Too many people are too interested in quick results. They want hacks and quick fixes. They want the short-cut to success. In some situations, these may lead to the intended results, but rarely are they lasting results. For such people, the results are more important than the process. Unfortunately, there has been not growth or permanent change of habits or practice.

Process has long-term consequences. It is intentional. It is sequential. It connects the points between beginning and end. So, yes, “process is more important than results.” Process without intention (i.e., specified results) is not truly “process.” By definition (Oxford Dictionary), process is “a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.” Antonyms of process may include idleness, ignorance, inaction, inactivity, etc. We have heard it said that “those who fail to plan plan to fail.” Failure is measured as the result—the attainment of the intended goal. Failure is the result of a failed process. So, yes, the process is the result.

Plan the process well, and the result will be as intended. Whatever the goal—desired outcome—there must be a systematic plan (including a realistic timeline) to get there. The work to lay a foundation is never as pleasing as making the finishing touches. The work is the more important, however.

What are your long-term goals? How do you plan to get there? The result is important, so take the time to carefully consider how you need to get there.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

“No one is going to give you an education. You need to overthrow them.”—Unknown

I saw the above cartoon amidst separate discussions about college credit during high school. I don’t know the source of the statement. (The characters are, of course, the work of the great Charles Schultz. I don’t think the words are his, however.) It caught my eye because I have long  said we need to overhaul the educational system in the U.S.

I have an advisee who will be graduating in a few weeks with 265 credits and degrees in Exercise Science and Chemistry after only three years at the University. In other words, he completed three years of college in high school. He is quite the impressive student.

This is becoming increasingly popular among high school students, and I have had several students arriving with an impressive number of college credits from high school. This begs the question: “What is a ‘degree’?” Additionally, we are led to the question: “What is an ‘education’?” Too often, the two words are treated as synonyms. They should not.

‘Degrees’ are becoming increasingly meaningless (especially when we consider what two years of COVID-19 has done to education). What is a high school degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and/or a PhD? Why are PTs now DPTs?? There is a joke I often tell as a PhD: “A BS is ‘bullsh**,’ an MS is ‘more sh**,’ and a PhD is ‘piled higher and deeper.’” These are just degrees that are awarded for completing a checklist of requirements. They do not necessarily equate to a meaningful education.

To be “educated” should also not mean that we can regurgitate facts (or have successfully regurgitated facts to pass a test). Education should not teach to a test—a reason why I think state standard are generally quite meaningless. To be educated means that we have gained the necessary knowledge base to succeed professionally and contribute to our communities in a meaningful way.

I responded to a friend who shared the news report (presumably from my sharing) about an Ohio teen graduating college (an associates degree) before graduating from high school by stating: “While it works for some, I think for many it simply waters down the college degree. The biggest problem is that we have a distorted perception of what a college degree should mean and who should need one. If we can make K-12 (and I would suggest K-13) the equivalent of a college degree–and these programs are proving that they can be–then a BS/BA could carry the weight of a MS and fewer colleges would be creating BS Master’s degrees for the sake of enrollments. There are too many of us with PhDs that are working too hard at creating jobs for ourselves and hot hard enough at doing what we should be doing–educating.” I know many of my colleagues will disagree with me (I mentioned “academic rigor” in a meeting recently and was met with the response: “ When I hear ‘academic rigor,’ I hear ‘privilege’.”), but I stand by my opinion and take my role as an educator very seriously. I don’t want to waste my students’ time or money. I want to prepare my students to have an impact on their world and not simple be someone’s employee.

I think it time for a revolution in education. It may cost me my job. It will certainly cost the jobs of some of my colleagues. It doesn’t worry me, though. I value my education more than my degree. Perhaps, this is better stated: My education is more valuable than my degrees. My education has continued beyond my degrees. I can do more than teach what I know. (In fact, the more I teach, the more I realize I don’t know. What I teach is that I don’t know and this what the students need to know to figure out what I don’t know.) Some of the most educated people I know are people with the fewest letters after their names. These are people who have “overthrown” the system.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

I saw an ad the other day that bothered me (like a lot of advertisements—particularly for health and fitness products do). It made the claim that “obesity is a disease, not a decision.” The implication being that obesity is a purely biological issue that can only be solved by biological treatment—in other words, pharmaceuticals.

Be careful when someone tells you that “obesity is a disease, not a decision.” What they mean is that they want to sell you pills instead of helping you make lifestyle changes that will help you manage your health within the scope of your genetics. Obesity is a symptom of a complex health issue that has biopsychosocial dimensions.

Our health is affected by biological, psychological, and social circumstances. Obesity is a central factor in many diseases (e.g., hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, etc.). It is a central factor in metabolic syndrome—the coexistence of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. It is a central among the risks for severe illness in the coronavirus pandemic. Obesity, indeed, has a genetic component, and it does meet criteria for many definitions of “disease.” Obesity is complex. To say, however, that it is “not a decision” is grossly inaccurate and misleading.

Obesity is not a single decision, of course. It is the result of countless decisions—decisions made consciously and unconsciously by individuals and communities. It requires countless decisions—changes—to fix. It requires personal responsibility and community responsibility. Behaviors need to change. Education needs to change. Community planning needs to change. Diets need to change. Policies need to change. It requires a large-scale biopsychosocial intervention. It will not be “cured” by pills.

Obesity is not a cause for acceptance or shaming. It is a health concern that warrants compassion and urgency. We must accept that maintenance of health body composition is not easy and that there is no “ideal” body type (and that over-lean has its health concerns, as well). Acceptance of one’s healthy self should  be encouraged.

While there is a place for pharmaceuticals in the management of disease, it is important to understand that pills are not always the cure. Quick-fixes are not the solution to complex health issues.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

“As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.”—Henry Van Dyke

We often speak of habits as either good or bad. Exercise is a good habit. Cursing is a bad habit. Etc. Some habits and routines are rather benign. What we do within the habit or routine is a critical factor in our growth—in the emergences of “new dimensions of the soul.”

Jim Ryun said, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” Speaking as an exercise physiologist, habit without progression is only maintenance at best. According to the principle of overload: for a body system to develop, it must be challenged greater than that to which it is accustomed. If growth is a desired outcome, we must go beyond simply habits and routines.

Kaizen is the Japanese word for “constant improvement” once popularized in management circles. It is a central consideration in well-centered fitness.

Perfection is an asymptote. As Vince Lombardi said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” This is the concept of kaizen.

Motivation leads to habits. Habit leads to routine. Routine leads to progression. Progression leads to growth. It is not enough to do the same things over and over. We need to build the habit of self-evaluation and self-improvement. We need to proceed with a sense of Purpose. We need to seek for the emergence of new and better dimensions of the soul.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento.

“No man succeeds without a good woman behind him. Wife or mother, if it is both, he is twice blessed indeed.”—Godfrey Winn

It is a blessing that today (May 8, 2022) is both Mother’s Day and my wedding anniversary. I would not be the man I am if not for my mothers (birth, step, and in-law) and the woman who is my wife and the mother of my two wonderful children. I strive to be better each day (kaizen) for them. I am better each day because of them. My grattitude today and every day is for these beautiful and special women. Thank you!!

As we celebrate mothers today, let us honor all women and remember that no matter what our relationship with our mother is/was, we exist because of our mothers, we are who we are because of our mothers, and we become who we become because of what we choose to do with the life we have been given.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!!

I woke up with a spin on a Skid-Row song in my head: “58 and life to go.” Then, I remembered: “Dude, you’re 59!”

Today is my birthday. It is not a day that I care for celebration. It is a day for reflection and consideration. I recalled postings from the past in which I shared my reflections. These include “Reflections on turning 55,” “Now I am 56,” and “Now that I am 58.”

The question I have every April 30^th is “am I better today than I was last April 30^th?” I hope I am. I have (and continue to) approach this question from a perspective of “well-centered fitness.”

Spiritually. As with each passing year, I continue to see the Universe grow around me. Yes, I continue to struggle to live “I am third.” I am, however, increasingly aware of my need to allow and create space for the soul (my soul and souls of others) to speak. Last year, we were deep in the COVID-19 pandemic and a year without church. That grew to nearly two years, and I didn’t miss the churches were had been absent from. I did miss church (the act of worship) though. It took the push of my 16-year-old son (believe it!) to get us back to church. He led us to an exploration of the traditional Christian faiths. We landed rather quickly at Lake Grove Presbyterian where there is a palpable community and strong sense that it is where we belong at this point in the journey.

Physically. I still have aches and pains—the same aches and pains I have had for decades. I am progressing. I am deadlifting shy of 450 lb.—more than I ever have. I survived COVID-19 without getting sick—or ever testing positive. I attribute this to diet and physical activity. Physically, I still feel great. Really nothing has changed.

Intellectually. Yes, I am still ignorant. My knowledge has undoubtedly grown, but with learning comes a growing sense of not knowing. Time has given me the opportunity to learn and to grow intellectually. In my youth, I was much smarter. Today, though, I know so much more.

Emotionally. I still try to cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I practice “hevel.” I check my grattitude.

I recently bought a Ford Maverick HEV. Focusing on trying to get the best mileage possible has calmed me considerably on my commute to work. I am no longer looking at the clock. Instead, I am looking at the “EV Coach” to maximize my time in electric and charging mode—without interfering with other drivers (i.e., without driving too slowly—In fact, I have been exceeding the EPA estimates going around 70 on the highway.)

I am also teaching my son to drive. I am unexpectedly calm and patient. Maybe I am growing emotionally?

Socially. My true friends remain. That is the greatest birthday present one can ever receive. I have a phenomenal wife and two incredible children—the greatest gifts Life has given me. I still don’t need to be liked by others. I feel I am still accepted by those who matter most. We continue the “15-minute check-in,” and, yes, the kids keep joining in. My circle of remote friends continues to grow. Maybe this year, as we return to more in-person interactions, I will find more local community.

Fifty-nine is another mile-marker on a great journey. I don’t want to miss a moment. I don’t regret a minute of the past. I am looking forward to sixty and beyond.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!