Today, I will endorse and even fund, one of the oldest traditions and rights of passage of the new world. My son Jacob is finishing up his senior year and I made a deal with him and some of his friends last November. I told them that if they all reached a very specific goal, I would take them to Six Flags Magic Mountain, a local amusement park for Senior Ditch Day. It is now time to make good on my promise.
Rule # 6
They are very excited and ready to go. I have a lot of things going on right now with work and I nearly broke my promise and said, "I can't go today."
This got me thinking. I don't ditch enough. It really isn't that big of deal to take a day off every now and then, but for some reason, we get so caught up in the work we are doing, that we forget to allow ourselves a chance to take a breath. For whatever reason, we just get caught up in following Rule # 6.
What's that? You haven't heard of Rule # 6? It is perhaps the most important rule to remember – simply stated, it reads, "Don't take yourself too seriously!"
Hand In The Bucket
Sometimes, we get so confused. We believe that the roles we play are so important and that life will somehow come to a screeching halt if we do not show up. It won't, it will just go on,
You don't believe me? Then please go and fill a bucket of water. Once it is filled, stick your hand in it. Then take your hand out. Do you notice any difference? I didn't think so. Ok, the difference can be measured, but it is very hard to perceive with the naked eye.
You are important. The work you do is needed and nobody can do it quite like you. I just want to make sure you remember that when you are finished, somebody will come along and occupy your role. They won't do it like you, they will do it differently and it will be good enough. Don't take your role so seriously that it costs you the things that really matter. Those are the things that nobody else can do.
When was the last time you ditched?
What would you do if you could take the day off today?
Who would you spend it with?
Today, I am giving myself permission to skip out. I give you the same permission. Take a day off soon and spend it with someone you love. You won't ever regret. Jacob will soon be gone and we will always remember today!
Live Today! Love Today!
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