What Matters To You?

Today is Veterans Day. This day is designed to honor all who have served in our nation's military, whether in war or peace. It is a moment set aside simply to say, "Thank you. We see you. You are valued. We recognize your choice to serve and the sacrifices you made during your service. You matter."

I fundamentally believe that people want to know they matter. I believe these same folks want to contribute to, or be a part of, something larger than themselves.

I believe people want to know that in some way, their existence, actions, and/or words made a difference in the lives of others while they were alive and hopefully even after their death.

I believe these statements apply to nearly all people in different ways based upon their contexts and journeys. Young, old, single, and married. Parents and non-parents. Nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, civil service workers, manufacturers, truckers, train engineers, waiters, waitresses, administrative assistants, electricians, plumbers, masons, engineers of all kinds, inventors -- and the list continues well past the length of this article.

And Veterans. I believe all of these statements apply to Veterans as well.

Common between all of these folks, no matter their age, education, roles, responsibilities, or career paths, is a desire to become more today than they were yesterday. To in some way make it further down the road than where they started. To find ways to improve their own quality of life; but for sure, improve the quality of life and opportunities for those they hold and love dearly -- even if it costs some or all of what they have to give along the way.

Somewhere during this journey that most people traverse, they begin to realize and crystallize what matters to them, what doesn't matter to them, and what they are willing to give, do, and/or become in order get there -- wherever "there" is for them at that moment in their journey.

"The choice to 'become more' and 'provide opportunities for myself and others' is a refining moment. Some get there by meandering across time, while others may be standing in a firefight when it happens. It is a moment when someone chooses to take a stand. They realize at that moment, "I have a purpose. I know what I must do. I commit to this journey. I'm all in. No matter what."

If you are a Veteran, thank you. If you're related to a Veteran, thank them. If you know a Veteran, thank them.

Why thank them? Because somewhere along their journey they figured out what they believe, why they believe it, and decided what they were willing to give in order to get where they wanted to go -- both for themselves, and those they hold dear. And even if they didn't know you, you've benefited from their decision. You're here reading this article which suggests you have electricity, internet, a computer and/or mobile phone, and a safe, secure, location in which to read and consider this message. If only for a moment.