VISION

A vision statement guides your objectives and shapes how you build action plans both small and grand. Is a vision statement a lighthouse? No. Lighthouses signal navigation hazards and provide geographical orientation for travelers, super helpful to keep you from crashing into the rocks. A vision statement is more of a compass bearing. Go this way. This is the heading you chose. Stay on this course.

What is out there? I look out at the Atlantic Ocean, my eyes can see as far as they can see. Next stop, Pontevedra, Spain? My immediate point of view reports there is not much to see. Or is there? In the foreground, dune grass and fencing reflect shades of green and brown. These minuscule human attempts at holding off the erosional powers of nature stand against wind and waves that don’t quit. Megaliters of water continually roll and pound against the beach, lifting, shifting, grinding, pure hydrology at work without a care in the world. Look closer to see the abundance this view offers. The gliding herring gull, the swells, the distant fishing boat chugging out of the bay, a lighthouse, and bits of rocky masses protruding above the surface provide features within the frame of view. The eyes catch the light: blue sky, white altocumulus clouds, the mysterious shades of the sea.

Vision - where you see yourself going. When your vision is shaped by your personal values, by what matters most to you, you find the compass direction leading you on the right path. Keep a watch on the weather and revisit your values, objectives, and action plans often. Do not engage autopilot and hope to end up where you want to go.

The Imperfect Human

My dad’s 100th birthday has come and gone. He’s been physically gone for over 30 years. His legacy is what he left in me that remains alive. His passion for stories, laughter, family, and history influences how I want to participate in this life. He was a good human.

None of us is perfect. All of us struggle to find our way. Part of that human struggle is to be knocked down on our face. Getting up and carrying on matters more than how hard we fall. Staying true to our personal vision and holding fast to our dreams, living a life of significance by adding value to the lives of others, is living a full and meaningful life. Don’t ever apologize for getting after living a meaningful life and don’t wait for the world to give you permission. If you do, you’ll never take that first baby step.