“If it can be fixed with money, then it’s not really a problem.”

It’s one of the lessons I learned from my father. I remember sharing that lesson with someone once, and his reply was that I must come from a wealthy family if we don’t worry about money.

He totally missed the point.

The point was never having boatloads of money hanging around and fixing all of life’s ills with cash. The point was was about perspective. It was about valuing people, about valuing your spirit and your mind and your soul and your body. It was about engaging in life instead of worrying about where to find money for the lastest car repair. It was about knowing, really knowing and believing, that you had everything you needed to figure it out, to be OK and to eventually be even better than OK.

From my parents, I inherited a personality that is stubbornly independent which in many ways has led to this creative, non-traditional, eclectic collection of adventures called my life. And my dad taught me by example that no one really needs to understand what I’m doing, as long as it makes sense to me.

I learned from him compassion and thoughtfulness. I wish I had acquired his patience, but he modeled that trait well enough that I have a standard to strive for, even when I’m mentally pacing and frustrated.

I learned from him that when you act like you know what you’re doing, people tend to leave you alone and that leads to some amazing discoveries and experiences. Asking questions is good. Time in the woods is always time well spent. Step back for perspective and you will probably also find some great sources of humor, which in turn only enhances your perspective. Wisdom comes from listening. Service is most noble when done without fanfare. Naps are powerful.

Happy Father’s Day!

My dad at the beach in 1978.