The Postcard that Forever Changed My Life ??

This past Saturday, I embarked on a journey with my son, Clay, and his buddies. It was his bachelor party weekend, and yours truly, in my capacity as the Best Man, was pulling the trip together. Amidst all the logistics - coordinating schedules, ordering grub, planning activities - I almost missed the chance to soak in the awesomeness of hanging out with my grown-up son and the incredible privilege of being his best man.

Seriously, pinch me!

During our bachelor weekend adventures, I couldn't help but think about my role as a dad to him and his sister, Alex. It brought me back to when I learned my wife, Jamie Leddin, EdD , and I would have our first baby, Alex.

I vividly remember that day when a postcard arrived showcasing a Mary Cassatt painting of a mother and child. Flipping it over, I read the big, bold letters Jamie had written, "Congratulations, you are going to be a dad."

That message hit me like a ton of bricks. I was just one week into the U.S. Army's Ranger school and about six months into our marriage. Jamie later told me that after she dropped me off for Day 0 of Ranger school a week or so early, she went to the doctor because she felt under the weather, only to learn she was pregnant.

To make things more interesting, we'd been told before tying the knot that we wouldn't have biological kids. So, you can imagine the shock.

I carried that postcard throughout the grueling 68 days of Ranger school. It went up mountains, leaped out of planes, trekked across deserts, and weathered swamps (all while wrapped in plastic). I guarded it like a priceless relic. Ultimately, it was a weathered slip of paper - the ink had faded, and the image had seen better days.

But you know what? It did its job.

That postcard served as a constant reminder of something bigger than myself. It symbolized the vision of one day holding our baby, the noble mission of being the best dad possible, and a commitment to values that would shape my actions in the coming weeks, months, and years.

Fast forward three decades, and here we are. I'll admit I've had many moments when I fell short in small and big ways, but I've strived to stay true to the vision, purpose, and values. They've guided me as a dad and continue to steer me today as a grandfather to Alex's little girl.

I'm sharing this story to remind everyone of the incredible power of a compelling vision, a meaningful purpose, and rock-solid values. These are important at work but vital at home, too. So, here's to cherishing the journeys, celebrating the moments, casting a vision that can help you through challenging times, and holding onto what truly matters.

A few questions to consider

1. What vision do you have for yourself and your relationships?
2. How does your purpose guide your actions and decisions?
3. What core values do you hold dear and want to uphold?
4. How can you ensure that your vision, purpose, and values remain a steadfast source of guidance as you write your story?

In this week's Leadership Lab podcast, I interview author and CEO Brad Deutser about his new book, Belonging Rules. It was a wonderful conversation. You can listen to it wherever you get podcasts. One particular meaningful insight that Brad shared in light of my postcard story (above) is the idea of extending conversations just 15 seconds longer. I suggest you listen to his thoughts and put them into practice. I know I will.

I wish you all the best as you work to cast your vision, live out your purpose, and align your actions and values.

Make it a great day!

Patrick

#success #inspiration #motivation