Utilizing the day for giving thanks...

Another year and just another reason to take advantage of this "holiday" to reflect upon the reasons we're all so thankful.  It would be convenient, tedious, and rather boring to just list out a number of things I am and will continue to be thankful for.  However, that list would go on forever and I would quickly lose the attention of this audience (if there ever was one, besides myself) in a matter of seconds.

I am thankful for many things in my life - both abstract and tangible - the obvious of which is my health. Although I could be "strong like bull," I haven't been so fortunate with my joints, the tendons and ligaments, and disc in my spinal column - but then again, it can always be worst.

I am thankful for having been raised in an environment with the love and support that my family has provided for me.  They have taught me many things over the years and have shaped me to be a great man.  A man with the abilities to overcome any obstacle, be compassionate among elders, peers and the youth, prioritize aspects of life that best creates harmony in my world, and to be admirable, honorable, and inspiring to everyone around me.

I am thankful for having the characteristics and personality to have the ability to connect with people - listen to their stories, opinions and experiences - share my own thoughts, feelings, and experiences - formulate relationships with strangers and acquaintances - discover friendships with people of such diverse background - and to be able to consider their point of view, personality and characteristics.  Of course this derives to being thankful for the friends I have that shape and surround my little world.  Without any of you and as cliche as this sounds, I would not be the person I am today, the person I have become, and the person I will continue to evolve into.  No matter how big or minuscule the influence may be - it nevertheless, has had an affect on how I perceive, how I evaluate, how I act, and how I reflect on situations. You are a direct influence to my character and my personality.

It's easy for me to simply say Thank you, just for today.  However, I will continue to show my appreciation, as my gratitude is unparalleled for all that you have done.

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Significant little decisions

Is it a product of our environment, is it in our nature, or is just simply inexplicable that we don't initially recognize that what we conceive as a minor decision has potential consequence/repercussions in our future path. Basically, what we perceive are small decisions may handcuff our potential future.

The majority of us have this innate character flaw where we lose sight of the smallest things that can and most often will come back to bit us in the butt.  For those few who are so calculated and precise in every aspect of their lives and decision-making, live with such stresses that life can become unenjoyable - and that in itself defeats our primary goal of being happy.

Our end-game, end-all has always been and will forever be, to live a life of happiness.  We each have different ideas of what makes us happy, whether it is material, conceptual, idealistic, or hypothetical - our pursuit of happiness is our life's journey.

It's a matter of opinion on how you perceive this, but for me, I have been fortunate enough to explore several avenues in my pursuit of happiness.

I have experienced the life of a competitive/professional athlete - realizing the breakdown and constant repetitive movement of joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones limits ones ability to succeed and what effect it can produce mentally in an athlete.  Coming to grips with the idea that this path was no longer to be and what changes I would have made and will make with my own children - as hindsight is always 20-20.  The life of a professional athlete can be one that is lonely and isolated, as the demands for perfection continue to rise and greater sacrifice is needed.

I pursued a path of nobility and prestige - in my perception - with Law school.  I have always been fascinated with how our society functions under the rule of law.  We elect officials whom we put our trust in (as I like to call it, blind faith), to create and pass legislations that govern what we can and cannot do.  All in the hopes that they are looking out for our best interest.

This was one of my best experiences - meeting the people that I did - formulating the friendships - and understanding that some of the most minuscule things can lead to something very big or even a blessing in disguise.  Learning the thought process and what it takes to do what attorney's do, was monetarily costly, but invaluable in what I learned about myself and how to approach situations.  As much as we are wired to feel and think emotionally - my hat goes off to those in this industry that can separate emotion and think creatively, meticulously, and rationally.

I'm have embarked on yet another journey - yet this one I find myself feeling more excited about and the possibilities it encompasses.