I Know…That I Know…

That Leadership Education works.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned in my own journey…

Sometimes…

even at a very young age…

unfortunate things happen…

to set a course of events in motion…

and that many times, those events…

take root in the form of attitudes that grab a hold of a heart and run deep.

That even when accomplishments can appear to look good on the outside…

they can partner with those events and feed those attitudes, that in turn, produce actions.

And when the improper mentors are in place…

you have a recipe for often toxic and dangerous feelings and emotions.

Justified long enough…

they give way to heart issues…

that in the end…

serve no one well.

I’ve learned that this…

can happen to anyone…

anywhere…

and at any time.

A watchful, caring parent-mentor…

takes stock in the situation…

even if they have made errors…

and often has to make more than one painful decision…

when finding a new mentor.

Once this occurs…

the mentor takes stock of the situation as well…

realizing that all of this didn’t happen over night…

and digs in to build relationship.

Because in the end…

relationships that are solid…

healthy…

and laden with trust…

trump all.

The partnership…

working long and hard…

accomplishes the goal…

which in the end…

produces even greater character and integrity…

because of the journey traveled.

 

I also know…

that truly great mentors…

possess phenomenal ones of their own.

That success comes to those who are willing to work hard…

and practice selfless dedication…

coupled with leadership that serves the greater good of the group.

That diversity within the group…

be it age…

walk of life…

or other factors…

when recognized and embraced properly

produces a broader worldview…

greater balance…

and the ability to see the whole from a wider spectrum.

That being in an elite group of individuals is a good thing…

when that group represents back-breaking work…

unwavering dedication…

and endless devotion.

And…

in the end…

it really is all enhanced by family…

where seeds of greatness should and can…

be nourished to both start and flourish.

And in the end…

that group will forever and always have your back…

which is a reason to dance and sing.

Sort of.

(Because that was required, not inspired!)

But…

if you’re really really fortunate…

that group includes your older brothers.

Because your friends may come and go…

but they will always be there.

Along with the rest of the black belts!

Congratulations, Son #3!

We couldn’t be more humbled by your tremendous drive…

tenacious perseverance…

and incredible accomplishment!

The fight was definitely worth it.

And so is the decision to pursue Leadership Education…

and its principles…

for life!