Checking in with Our Owners: Owner's Corner

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

I find that it’s always when I least expect it when I read or hear the words I need the most.

“Hey mom, can I ask you something?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Who are the two people in your life that you want to make the most proud?”

“I can only pick two? There are so many more.”

“Only two.”

“Hmm…” *Moments of thought and deliberation* “I’d say my mom and dad???”

“Nope, wrong. The two people should be your 8-year-old self and your 80-year-old self. Your 8-year-old self should think that you had an awesome life and you want to make your 80-year-old self believe you had a worthwhile life.”

I’m speechless and mesmerized by the unexpected wisdom flowing from my 12-year-old. Where did he come up with this? Maybe TikTok??

He snaps me out of my silent daze and asks, “What do you think they would think of you?”

After a thoughtful, deep breath, I answer, “I guess my 8-year-old self would think that the adventures I’ve been on and the places I’ve seen were cool?”

“And your 80-year-old self? What about her?”

“Gosh. I’m not completely sure. That one’s much harder.”

“Thanks okay because you have 40 more years to figure that out.” 

He was dead on and I was astounded.

In case you didn’t catch onto the subtle math in the above conversation, I just turned 40 this year and let me tell you, I dreaded it. In hindsight, I’m not sure what I was expecting once I entered this new decade of my life because honestly, I don’t feel different physically. On the other hand, I do feel different mentally, but it’s a good kind of different. With age, you gain wisdom and confidence, knowing that you have learned many lessons that have ultimately made you a better person. 

Some of you may be rolling your eyes at me for preaching after only having lived 40 years so far. Or, maybe you’re in the same boat and feeling the same way. Regardless of where you side, I wanted to share five sentiments I’ve learned along the way that I find helpful. It’s difficult to fulfill them every single day, but if I check them off, I believe that one day, 80-year-old Trish will be impressed when she looks back. 

1. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” – As they say, “it don’t come easy.” If something presents itself as being too easy, proceed with caution. Anything worth pursuing should have at least a little bit of work involved. 

2.     “Do What Scares You Until it Doesn’t” – Last year, I wrote a blog about this topic. In life, other people have successfully attempted and completed any number of endeavors. If they can do it, so can you! Yes, it might be daunting and failure is certainly a possibility, but you’ll get there eventually. Suddenly, you’ll wake up one day and realize that the thing you used to find so terrifying is no longer a big deal.

3. “Be the Buffalo” – Have you heard of this phrase? The metaphor of being a cow or a buffalo is intriguing because they face approaching danger in polar opposite ways. While cows run away from storms, buffaloes charge straight ahead into it. The storm always catches up with the cow, so their strategy never works, only increasing the frustration and pain they must endure. So what’s the lesson here? Instead of running from your problems and prolonging your suffering, deal with them right away. 

4.     “It takes twice as long to build bridges you’ve burnt” – On Christmas day in 1988, my sister and I found ourselves in a nasty fight. My mother’s punishment for me was forcing me to write “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” one hundred times. It’s “The Golden Rule.” In my life, I’ve watched others burn bridges and I’ve even done so myself. In the aftermath, you feel horrible and keep replaying moments over and over again in your head, wishing that you could go back in time and deal with the situation differently. Ultimately, it’s best to confront hard things with honesty, transparency, and empathy. Live with the Golden Rule close to your heart and you’ll find peace of mind without so much weight on your shoulders. 

5. “No one wears the jersey of a Monday Morning Quarterback” – Recently, I stumbled across Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena”. Have you read this or heard anything about its history? You can find critics everywhere you turn, but no one really understands exactly what another person has been through unless they’ve worn the exact same pair of shoes. Therefore, it’s unfair to critique others when you don’t know what it’s like to live their life. The true hero is the person who, in spite of the voices of the “Monday Morning Quarterbacks” of the world, keeps inventing, attempting, failing, and picking themselves back up. Which would you rather be?  

I find that it’s always when I least expect it when I read or hear the words I need the most. This article is just my small way of paying it forward. If it helps even one person learn to look at life differently, I would consider it a success. 

What sentiments motivate you to become a version of yourself that you’ll be proud of when you become your 80-year-old self? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Trish Wall