around the edges

One of the greatest things about being dad is... I'm learning to be a more well-rounded man.

Thank You Audrey Stella.

double-edge sword

Free will.

Man's greatest gift and greatest curse. It's the one thing that can make you a better person and the worst person at the same time.

So be careful when swinging this double edged sword around. It'll either maim or protect the precious things in your life. From self-esteem, faith, relationships, career path, happiness, fulfillment... well pretty much everything.

So don't just choose because you can. Aimlessly swinging this sharp blade simply because it's in your possession. That's dangerous and exhausting. Choose because it means something. Swing that sword like you know why it's in your hands in the first place.

mute button

In such a noisy world, it really takes a deliberate effort to be quiet.

It's good to be the strong silent type every now and again.

history channel

You should really get to know your parents.

I mean get to know them know them. You'd be surprised about the things that have shaped them to be the persons they are today. And the more you learn about them, the more you yourself figure out who you are.

I forget sometimes that my parents were my age. I forget they faced the same challenges, dilemmas and questions as I did (and probably a lot more). I forget sometimes that they're human, just like me. The times are different, culture is different but human experiences have never really changed for the most part.

The life journey of your parents, is really your journey as well. They cleared a path for you to follow, and in time you'll do the same for your kids (and/or people you serve).

Discovering the experiences of your parents is like finding hidden treasure maps. Riches are abound, we just need a little bit of direction.

And for the record... my dad was/is a badass. Let me tell you about it sometime.

Brain to Mouth Filter

Things to consider before saying something either trivial, petty, hurtful, and/or irrelevant to the conversation, which usually follows by an immediate "I'm just saying..."

1. Am I saying this to be vengeful and /or hurtful?
2. is this coming from a misdirected feeling of  having to be "real" and honest?
3. how is the other person in this conversation possibly feeling?
4. is this the appropriate time to say what I want to say?
5. What's the kindest way I can say this?

In the end, is your desire to "just say" going to uplift the situation? or will it lead the conversation to a place where only you feel good about yourself?

Let's all try to communicate kindly,be aware of others feelings and try to be watchful with the state of our hearts when we feel the need to be honest and straightforward.

This has been a Public Service Announcement brought to you by butcheee.com.

(Sorry to be preachy... I'm just saying...)