I have heard it said, "Doing nothing is the hardest work of all, because you can never stop to take a break!"
Dad joke out of the way, this idea has never been hard for me. I decided very early that I would be an involved and engaged father, a DAD. Though it continues to change, that work will never end. Also, your post reminds me of Emerson's line:
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
For what it's worth, that's the journey I chose for my life. It's brought me much joy, and the only regrets are those few times I didn't hold to it as well I I know I could have.
Emerson’s idea has been a Northstar for me since before I heard it. I love that line you shared and have added it to my Cache of Quotables.
If we’ve gotten this far and are able to live this ethic, I think we have the wind at our backs and we’ll stay the course. The only thing better is watching my kids following up in our wake.
Love the meaning to the message! It is really phases in our life that we may finish and move on. The best part are the lessons learned that got one to this point! I was asked to be on a podcast recently and the question was....what would you tell your younger self based on what you know now? I pondered the question and sure like most I would want to change a couple things perhaps but upon an even deeper reflection I said I would not change a thing. If whatever I did got me to this point with relationships, knowledge, wisdom and intimate relationship with God than why would I tell my younger self what to do....let him figure it out! Of course I did think of a couple things...and that was to slow down and be more observant, enjoy the little moments, don't worry so much and always try to do the right thing...because it is the right thing without peer pressure or someone else telling you it is right!
Oh... You caught me here... I don't remember ever being done.... And then, what would I do if I were done? Now, this is something worth contemplating about... Love it. That's the real work....
I have heard it said, "Doing nothing is the hardest work of all, because you can never stop to take a break!"
Dad joke out of the way, this idea has never been hard for me. I decided very early that I would be an involved and engaged father, a DAD. Though it continues to change, that work will never end. Also, your post reminds me of Emerson's line:
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
For what it's worth, that's the journey I chose for my life. It's brought me much joy, and the only regrets are those few times I didn't hold to it as well I I know I could have.
Thanks for your post today!
I like the thought from Emerson. It aligns with an old proverb I read this morning.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.
Here's to living such a life.
Emerson’s idea has been a Northstar for me since before I heard it. I love that line you shared and have added it to my Cache of Quotables.
If we’ve gotten this far and are able to live this ethic, I think we have the wind at our backs and we’ll stay the course. The only thing better is watching my kids following up in our wake.
Babbling Brook, by Peter Stipan, June 24, 2025 @2025
In murmured tones, the brook doth speak, with gentle voice both soft and meek
It dances past the rocks and stone, on winding paths mostly alone
Through countryside or city near, its whispered song is calm and clear
So close your eyes - just let it be, and drift into serenity
It calls: "Be still, find peace in strife, let quiet joy enrich your life. May all my splashes soothe your mind, a tranquil heart, a soul aligned.”
That might be your best one yet.
Yes, this is me.
🙏🏻
Love the meaning to the message! It is really phases in our life that we may finish and move on. The best part are the lessons learned that got one to this point! I was asked to be on a podcast recently and the question was....what would you tell your younger self based on what you know now? I pondered the question and sure like most I would want to change a couple things perhaps but upon an even deeper reflection I said I would not change a thing. If whatever I did got me to this point with relationships, knowledge, wisdom and intimate relationship with God than why would I tell my younger self what to do....let him figure it out! Of course I did think of a couple things...and that was to slow down and be more observant, enjoy the little moments, don't worry so much and always try to do the right thing...because it is the right thing without peer pressure or someone else telling you it is right!
Slow down, be more observant, and enjoy the little moments. Good advice at any age.
meaningful
Glad you enjoyed this, Dan.
Oh... You caught me here... I don't remember ever being done.... And then, what would I do if I were done? Now, this is something worth contemplating about... Love it. That's the real work....
The real work indeed. 🙏🏻
Your real work. That nagging thing that resides in the deep, dark recess of your mind that you really do not want to address.
Calling us. 🙏🏻