My dad is 85 years young today. And while my husband and I are eagerly looking forward to visiting with him and my mom this weekend to celebrate this landmark birthday, I can’t help but thinking of all the courageous beginnings he has had. And how all those beginnings shaped and created the wonderful life that he has now and has enjoyed all these years.
Education: It took Dad eight years to get his college education, but he got it on his dime and all the while when he was working full time and putting food on the table for his growing family. He would purposely sit in the front row of the classroom so as to stay awake, or if he would nod off, the professor would be sure to get his attention! That education started an escalated path of promotions that not only allowed him international travel but new challenges and increased pay.
Exploration: Dad encouraged us to try new things. It could be as simple as a new food or a new sport. It could be as challenging as a new book that you might not have picked up or a new class to open up a perspective. He is the guy that is now on line viewing photos from a nephew’s Panama Canal trip or researching where to buy a part that his car needs.
Enthusiasm: Some of my best memories of growing up are seeing Dad laughing so hard he is crying over watching the Three Stooges episodes. He loves a good joke and loves to play a good joke on you. Whatever the family is doing, he embraces, supports and cheerleads the efforts of the family member so that everyone could feel it.
Mark Twain has said, “The secret of getting ahead, is getting started.”
So, how about you? In your job, what new start can you embrace this year that will enthusiastically add to your career enrichment? What is that something that has been circling through your mind as a problem, that you might be able to research with some possibilities of solving? What one new routine can you add, that with enough daily repetition, can lead to a sense of accomplishment at the end of 2012?
Many new beginnings layered throughout the decades have led to a fascinating and fulfilling life and career. Embrace your “starts” and watch the possibilities unfold.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
