There is no doubt about it. What he did changed my life. I was an Apple Macintosh user when being an Apple Macintosh user wasn't cool. I bought Apple stock when it was $13.56 a share. Thankfully I am still holding it. I got my first iPod nearly a year before I ever heard anybody else talk about it. I am writing this on my MacBook Pro. My iPhone is in my pocket, and my iPad is within reach. These things changed my life and definitely make life more convenient, but did they make my life more meaningful?

The answer to that question is a definite no. What Steve did changed what I do, but it did not change who I am. As I examine his life, I am learning many lessons that I think can help me live a more meaningful life, but these are things that were largely hidden while he was alive. Sadly, much of what I am discovering as I read his biography speak more about how not to live a meaningful life then about how to live a meaningful life. I am not sure how Steve would feel about this statement, because I think he was generally confused about what mattered most: the market or the people. In my mind, there is no confusion. The quantity of what we do, can never compare to the quality of who we become. 

By Saying this, I do not mean to imply that he was a bad man. I think he was a good man who just got a little to busy, though, like most of us sometimes do. The busyness and the business of life prevented him, for much of his life, from focusing on what really mattered. His biography makes it pretty clear that he knew this about himself. Unfortunately, this self-awareness did not change how he lived for most of his life. This should not surprise us, Many of us see the same thing, yet we continue to focus on the things that matter least. There is a worldly pressure to do so.

The Motivating Force of Mortality

In 2003, Steve was diagnosed with a rare, somewhat treatable, form of pancreatic cancer. One great quality that he demonstrated from that point on was his extreme faith. His faith was not particularly spiritual, as he stated that the existence of God was only 50-50. He simply believed that he would survive the impact of this disease. He told us several times that he was cured. Reports indicate that he believed he would beat it, right up until the day he died.

Yet somewhere inside, he lived with the knowledge that his time was short. It is reported that he looked in the mirror everyday so that he could ask himself one simple question: "If today was my last day, would I do the things that I am about to do?" The question is revealing because of what he did with his time. The tech contributions he made after his diagnosis are the ones that define his legacy and the post-mordem advances that we are told are yet to be released will bless the world we live in for years to come. 

There is evidence to suggest that he valued his life more after he learned of the disease that eventually killed him. He is quoted as having said that his increased awareness of his own mortality motivated and focused him. Perhaps the clearest picture of what he valued comes to us from the commencement address he delivered at Stanford University in 2005. On that occasion he shared three simple lessons from his life. 

The lessons Steve shared at that time were all learned through his personal heartache, humiliation and close calls. Remarkably, this how we learn many things. Life has a way of presenting us with some event, person, death, idea, or relationship that challenges us beyond our capabilities. These things often lead us to the very edge of our own private resources. Sooner or later, no matter how much success we have enjoyed, we all "lose" at something. Through these losses, we learn that there is a larger journey; something bigger than what we produce.

For Our Greater Good

My question is this: Is a crisis necessary to motivate us to make meaning? 

I thought about this from a long time and I am convinced that the answer is no. In fact, I have done more than think about this. I have dedicated my life and my work to meaning making experiences. I found that the meaning that comes from understanding in moments of joy is much more powerful than the meaning that comes from the moments of crisis. I also learned that when I take the time to make the meaning during the good times the crises I experience seem more bearable. The strength I gain from this approach is remarkable. This is why I so often say, "Life is Good!" It really is.

So why don't we do it? Because thinking about the big picture, (who we want to be?), requires us to think big, while living into the results questions, (what do I want to do?), just requires us to do.

René Descarte said, "I think, therefore I am." Thinking is not enough, as Steve's most famous campaign taught us, we must "Think Different". The big picture requires us to push the pause button, at least every once in a while, so that we can reflect and examine our life. This helps us become clear about what we want.

When the "Who am I?" question is well defined, the "What should I do?" questions are easily answered . That is how meaning is created. That is how we live into purpose. That is how we become whole and authentic. 

Goodbye Steve. We learned so much from you. I hope the most important lesson we learn is that no one gets out alive. If we could only learn to understand that one simple lesson, I am sure we allow our own mortality to motivate us to live a more meaningful life.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

How much time did you spend this week reflecting about what is going on around you and planning your life?

What are you afraid of? Is your fear keeping you from acting courageously?

Do you know why you get up in the morning? Is your purpose clearly defined?

I ask you to consider these questions because they are directly related with the responses gathered from a one question survey of older adults (+ 75). The question is a simple one – "If you could live your life over, what would you do differently?"

I think the answer to this question is pertinent to all of us, but especially to those of us who still have the greater portion of the second half of their life to live. Are you as interested as I am in the responses? Do you think the responses can help you make a course correction if needed?

Trick Questions

Your answers to the questions I asked you to consider at the beginning of this post are very important. That is because the questions are closely correlated with the top three answers the seniors gave in the one questions survey. They said that if they could live their life over, they would do the following:

1. Spend more time reflecting on life.
   
2. Act more courageously.
3. Clarify earlier in their life their individual purpose.

Take a look again at your answers. Are you satisfied with your responses? Are you spending enough time in these areas to help you make meaning out of your life? It is your life to live and I affirm that now, is the most valuable resource you have. Use it wisely.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

For some members in our little group, this will be the most difficult experience they have ever faced. For others, it will be a welcome relief from the pressure they face on a daily basis. For me, it will be my first experience as the oldest person in the group. I don't feel it, but I know my time to stand on the top is ebbing, so I will enjoy every moment as we ascend to wonderful heights. 

We will all see something different when we stand on this high point. That is one of the greatest things about life – despite the face that we share each day with each other, our experience is always individual. 

I am thankful for the high points in my life. There have been many, and each one brought different meaning and purpose to my tiny / grand existence. That is why I am constantly reaching for new heights. I need to stretch and be stretched so that I can become my best.

What are the high points of your life?

What lessons did you learn from standing on the top?

When was the last time you reached for a new peak experience?

I will think of you when I am on the top of Southern California. I will express my thanks for your support and my desire for you to become your best. Please do the same for me!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Be Prepared

Our purpose is to scout the trail in advance of a 60 mile hike we will take next week with a group of young men. There was heavy snowfall this year, and the last couple of miles before the summit are on a very steep ridge line.

Too much snow on the ground can make this difficult for the inexperienced hiker to pass safely.  Our plan today is to observe conditions, and select an alternative trail if necessary. This will also give us a chance to identify any other potential dangers.

Today's hike is simply a planning hike. We are investing our time and efforts to better understand the conditions of the trail before we subject our whole organization to its rigors. In away, you can say we are gaining competitive intelligence. We want to understand the cost before we fully invest our resources.

The Power of Planning

These preliminary efforts, remind me how important it is to plan. The amount of energy we spend on this task is directly correlated to the amount of success we experience. Most of us are very good at planning our work efforts, and even our vacations, but too few of us are good at planning life.

To me, life planning exercises are more important than any other type of planning exercises. Yet for some reason, our investment in this activity is surprisingly small. We barely recognize the fact that we are wandering until we reach the end of the trail of life and realize that we have many things that are left undone.

When we take the time to carefully plan our life, we begin to understand which paths we want to take, and which ones we want to avoid. Planning also helps us feel like we are in balance. Successful people plan regularly. In fact, statistics state that the most successful people plan an average of 30 minutes per day. 

Which Way Do I Go?

Today, is a day of discovery. We are seeking to find the safest trail where we will experience the greatest amount of success when we bring our whole team. I liken this step to the dreaming phase of life. It is vitally important because it helps us to identify which way we should go. It also brings certainty to the trail.

What obstacles ahead may prevent your success?

What is your plan to avoid them?

How much time are you spending on life planning exercises?

Life is meant to be enjoyed. It is also meant to be lived on purpose. Time spent on planning exercises helps us to bring critical steps and activities in focus, which always leads to sense of balance and a position of strength. I dare you to invest a few moments each day on discovering, through the power of planning, what you want out of life. I promise your efforts will bring great results. See you on the trail.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

This Magic Moment

We are excited and we are concerned. There are many things to be happy about and there are many things to worry about. I suspect that this is normal. We don't have much time to prepare. The wedding is planned for August 14th.

As the shock wears off, I find myself reflecting on my own story. Some of the things that were said at the time of our engagement are starting to make sense. The concerns of a parent are real to the parent, but totally unfounded for the couple being married. Together, Stacy and I formed a union that proved to be stronger than any of the concerns of our friends and family. I hope the same thing happens for Christina and Mike.

Choice

In a strange way, I feel very good about something. The man my daughter is marrying is not the man we would have chosen for her. Our hopes and dreams created a very different picture. That may sound harsh to admit, but I do not mean it in a critical way. I simply find myself feeling very happy that my daughter is making her own choices. To me, it is a sign of our success as parents.

We know, that our influence is still felt and respected. She knows of our concerns, we have discussed them openly with her. Despite our apprehensions, she is moving forward with her choice. That is the way it should be.

Life is Good!

I called each of my brothers and sisters this morning as soon as I got the news. We are a busy family, and I wanted to make sure that they got the date on their calendar so they could begin to plan. Each conversation was distinct. Some shared perspective, others shared advice and all shared hope. These conversations were different for me. In many ways they marked new beginnings.

During one conversation, I felt myself moving on into a new phase of life. I saw the exit door opening just a crack. I could see that my time is giving way to my children's time. Very soon, we will have 14 kids instead of 7 and many tiny voices will be calling us Grandma and Grandpa. I did not feel afraid by this vision, I felt excited. 

And so it begins. it seems like only yesterday that we hunted through the mall for the very last Little Mermaid video and now we give our princess away. We are full of hope. We want the best for her, and we know we cannot give it to her. She must find it herself. To some, that may seem scary, but I wouldn't want it any other way. See you soon Grandma!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

The show captured my attention each week. The idea of being anybody I want to be is very appealing to me. In fact, I spent a lot of time in the past trying to figure out who the best me would be. It was a prevailing thought even after I enjoyed serious success in building a business. Fortunately, I eventually discovered my true passion for life.

Who Do You Want To Be Today?

I recognize that is it not uncommon for very successful people to be figuring out who they want to be. Many of the happy people I work with find themselves in this exact position. Success happens to many of us, even when we don't have this figured out.

In my case, I was able to use my selling skills to create an income and an opportunity to provide for my family. That was my main concern, so for a long time it didn't matter that I was working in a profession and a career that I hated. My number one priority was to provide for my family and I accepted the fact that doing so required many sacrifices, even working at something I did not love doing.

I know many others who are working at what they love doing, but they have not reached their potential yet. Their inability to see themselves moving to the next level is what holds them back. They have the talent and the skills, they just need to discover the guts to go for it.

Still others, don't have the faintest idea. They are in the process of discovering who they want to be. They find themselves in the midst of success, knowing that there is something more for them, but not knowing what it is.

Getting Better and Better!

I believe that all of us eventually figure this out. Some just find out later in life and believe that it is too late do anything about it. They live with and accept the saddest of all words, "what might have been" in a numb and painless way.

I never believe it is too late. All we need is a willingness to stick our necks out and take a risk. Everything we do in this life is invented. We are just like Jarod the Pretender. We are brilliant beyond our own understanding. We truly have the power to be whoever we want to be.

Our imagination must never be quelled. We must always be willing to engage in becoming our best. This doesn't mean we need to change jobs or careers. It just means that we are willing to stretch ourselves in ways that will magnify our purpose. I am constantly involved in activities that will more fully reveal the real and authentic me to myself and others.

I understand that in order to become my best, I must be pretending that I can be better. That is where it starts. It starts with a belief that I am capable of growth. I don't know anybody who believes otherwise, but there truly are very few who act the part.

Stepping Up To Greatness

I dare you to be your best. I want you to wake up and see that no matter how wonderful you are, you can be better. Please don't let your current successes smother your desire to be a better you. Just open your eyes and imagine what the best you looks like then start pretending that you are that person. This is how the great ones become extraordinary. They allow themselves to see and believe their dreams. 

When was the last time you engaged yourself in a game of make-believe?

Do you think you can become your best without pretending you are better than you really are?

Are you willing to shake yourself so that you can grow into a more beautiful you?

Now is the time to consider who you will be in 2010. I invite you to begin it with a running start. Think about what it will take for you to rise up and be your best. I know you can do it. The people closest to you are hoping you will do it. We can't wait to see the new you!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Building Endurance

I am fairly confident right now, that on any given day, I could decide to run a marathon without any additional preparation or advanced warning. 

I can do this, because of the consistency that I mentioned above. But I wasn't always in this good of shape. In fact, when I began running, a little more than ten years ago, I could barely run to the end of my street, which is only about 150 yards. 

To get to where I am at now, I had to train. I didn't even begin by running. When I first started, all I did was walk. I charted a course that was about a mile and made it a point to walk it three or four times a week. I remember it being difficult for me to do. I walked up a hill by my home and then back down it and I was tired before I got to the top of the hill. There were many times that I cut through a vacant lot without ever making it to the top. It was hard for me to do, but I stuck with it.

At first, it was hard for me to even imagine running. It seemed like too much work and I didn't know I would enjoy it. I remember the first day I ran my route, instead of walking it. I felt so alive. I was surprised I could do it and my confidence was boosted. I decided to create a new route and things just kept building from there.

Pretty soon, I was regularly running routes that were 10, 15 and even 20 miles long. I began to feel energized instead of tired during the day. Even at the end of most runs, I felt like I could go farther.

Surprising Benefits

The physical benefits were amazing, but they did not compare to the emotional and mental benefits, nor are they enough to keep me running. 

I now run without thinking about running. I run without feeling pain and without feeling challenged. I just run. It is so much more than physical, in fact, I hardly ever realize that it is a physical activity.

My run time is a time of meditation. It is the alone time that I use to think and make sense of everything that is going on around me. I see things more clearly when I am running than at any other time. I truly see it as a time of personal inspiration and revelation.

Our Biggest Challenge

You may be thinking. "that sounds good for you Andrew, but I am not a runner and I have no interest in becoming one." That is ok, because I am not really talking about running, I am talking about building endurance. 

I love this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do – not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased.

His words help me articulate that the benefit of endurance is that we become more capable of doing the things that we need to do in order to stay fit and active. Our biggest challenge may very well be that of enduring to the end. The end of what? The end of our mortal lives.

There may come in time in my life when I am unable to do any of the things that I currently do for enjoyment. This thought does not frighten me because I understand what it means to endure. It means that we find a way to make it, even when we are tired, and even when what we normally do doesn't work any more. The key is to constantly persist at making forward progress.

What are you doing to learn the lessons of endurance in your life?

What challenges are forcing you to discover new pathways to success?

How can you increase your ability to stick with a difficult task that is good for you?

I am certain that when we spend our time doing the things that foster opportunities for us to become our best, we build reserves of strength that make it possible for us to not just endure, but also to enjoy life with a smile on our face. 

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Other days, I know exactly what I want to write and I can hardly to get to it. Those days, the article just flows out of me with hardly any effort. I love those days.

Today is different than either of those. I know what I want to write, but I don't want to write it. It is a bit of a mixup for me. I don't have to stare at the screen, but I find myself doing it. I am hoping that something else will come to mind and I can leave my thoughts for another day. It is not working. So here goes.

The Cover Up

The picture that you see at the beginning of this post is a picture of my long hair. It was taken on the day I cut if off. I grew it out for a year, the curl is natural. It is actually much longer than it looks. As you can see, it is looking very full and beautiful.

The picture that you see under this heading is also of me and my beautiful hair. It was taken on the same day, less than three minutes before the above photo was shot.

Your eyes are not deceiving you and I am not wearing a Kippah. I have a pretty good bald spot growing on the top of my head that is hard to see in my portraits. I was able to use a product called Good Looking Hair. As you can see, it really works. It is hard to tell in the photos, and even harder to identify in person. Even my mother was fooled. 

Vanity Of Vanities

The more I used the product, the more I enjoyed it. I felt a sense of confidence that I had not experienced for some time. I sometimes feel like everybody is looking at my bald spot, with Good Looking Hair, I never worried about it. I knew that if they were looking, they would see nothing. 

I only experienced a couple of problems. I like to wear white shirts and the product would sometimes flake off onto my collar area leaving black marks. Also, if I touched my hair with my hands, I would usually get black powder all over me. It made it difficult to scratch my head because when I did my fingernails would be packed with the stuff. Sometimes, the scratching would also remove the product from the bald spot, which would create a very interesting looking hole in the illusion.

When I cut my hair, the product worked even better. It made my short hair look full and so I was willing to live with the risk of accidently wiping it off. Believe it or not, my head began to itch more than normal and I had to find ways to scratch without getting the product in my fingernails or disrupting the pattern which I knew would create a new and much more noticeable bald spot. This worry began to dominate my thinking and though I learned how to manage it, I began to feel like a fraud. Why couldn't I just be comfortable with my normal hair, like I was before I began to grow it out? Why did I feel like I needed to cover it up? Why was I all of sudden feeling so vain about my hair?

The Authentic Me

These gyrations made me feel a bit phony when I would write my Authentic Me columns. I tried to rationalize it by saying that many of the people I work with are doing something unnatural to enhance their image. I wore braces to straighten my teeth, why can't I wear this spray on hair, to make my hair look better. I know people who have turned to plastic surgery to enhance their bodies. Almost everybody whitens their teeth these days, and the advances in hair transplants will most likely make the Good Looking Hair product obsolete. 

Why are we so obsessed with these types of enhancements? I think I know the answer. They make us feel younger. The natural sagging, dimming, balding, greying and yellowing makes us feel old. They are the signs that we are losing our younger selves. They add to the common belief that the aging process is a losing process. The older we get the more we lose.

It frustrates me when we only speak of the losses that come with aging. To me, there is so much more. In fact, I think we gain much more than we lose.

Looking Forward 

The other day, my friend asked me if I would be willing to go back 20 years if I was given that option. I told him that I had no interest in doing that. Then I told him that if I had to chose between going back 20 years or forward 20 years, that I would definitely choose to go forward. He seemed a bit bemused, so I told him why. 

I love my life. There are so many wonderful things about it. Each passing year puts me into a new phase that seems so much more complete than my previous experiences. I like the "maturing me", so much better than the "young and impetuous me". I love who I am becoming. I don't want to miss any of the moments that will get me there, but I can't wait to see what I am like in the future. I feel so much opportunity ahead of me. Of course, I see that these new opportunities are very different than the ones that were presenting themselves to me 20 years ago – I am ok with that. I like where I am headed and I feel like I am creating a life of wholeness. I don't have nearly as many fears or insecurities as I did 20 years ago. Each day, I am becoming more and more comfortable with who I am and less and less interested in covering up my bald spots.

The Mature You

This may be a new way of looking at things for you. I invite you to consider the following questions. I think it will help you see what I see.  

What do you love about yourself?

What gains you are incurring as you age?

What bald spots are you still afraid to reveal?

I feel so much better now that I wrote about my use and abuse of the Good Looking Hair product. I don't need it any more. I no longer fear that my fake hair will suddenly flake off. I am now free to just be me, and that is why life is so incredibly good.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

The Fire Starter

Though the years have passed, and I have forgotten many of the lessons, there is one that continues to stick with me. A major portion of our training time was focused on what is deemed the most essential survival skill; fire starting. We were taught over 20 different ways, that made it possible for us to start a fire without matches. We learned friction based, lens based, and flint and steel based methods. We even learned how to do it with a battery and steel wool. 

Each method had several sub-methods and we literally learned how to start a fire using so many different things that are always so readily available in the wilderness. Some of them were more difficult to learn than others, but with some practice, I was able to master them all.

Nearly every method relied on the fire starter building a tinder nest. This was composed of a very small collection of very dry and tiny fragments of wood, leaves, bark and pine needles. It really didn’t matter what we used, it just needed to be dry and flammable. The sparks generated were directed to this nest, and it easily produced the potential for creating a blazing fire.

Caring For The Flame

If I was not careful, the tinder nest would quickly flame out. It needed to be transferred to a suitable pile of kindling to sustain its life saving potential. I remember blowing on the sparks and bringing the fire to life. It seemed that my own breath was enough to create the fire. If I blew too hard or too soft, the tiny flame would expire and I would have to go back to the beginning.

I think of this process often when I reach for a new dream. Dreams always begin with a tiny, delicate spark. That spark must be nurtured and fanned. If they do not get enough life breathed into them, they die.

The negative influences we all face can choke the the life out of our dreams. I often held my tinder nest behind a barrier I created so I could shelter it from nature’s breeze. Sometimes, I only needed to cup my hands, other times I needed a much bigger shield.

I do the same thing with my dreams and the dreams of others. I know how important to keep that tiny spark lit so I protect them in the early stages. Over time, I have learned just how much attention I need to give in the early stages to make sure those dreams can become reality. It doesn’t take very long, it just takes precaution. I can’t give them too much or too little. I have to give just enough to create the space for the spark to ignite a burning desire for fulfillment.

Once I feel the shift of momentum, I can sit back and enjoy the light and warmth of a dream come true. 

Breathing Life Into Your Dreams

Are you breathing life into your dreams? Are you nurturing them and living to fulfill them?

How about the dreams of others? Are you willing to provide the breath of life so that they can succeed, or do they need to build a barrier around their dreams so that you don’t blow them out? 

I believe in you. I know you can be the one who gives life to your dreams and the dreams of others. By doing so, you will feel engaged and energized. Sometimes, the results will surprise you. Your life giving efforts will be rewarded in ways you will not expect.

If you need some encouragement, I am here. I love to dream and I love to breathe life into the dreams of others. You know how to get a hold of me.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

His death ushered in a new era in my life. Up until that point, I thought I was invincible. I went through life winning at everything I tried and I truly believed that I was in total control of what was happening to me. 

His death shocked me. It wasn’t just that he was gone, I also understood that I was next in line. For the first time I saw my own mortality. I knew that I was going to die. I looked at my children and tried to imagine them without a father. I looked at my life and asked myself if I was really doing the things I wanted to do and if the things I was doing would actually make a difference. My answer, was a resounding "no" on both accounts. 

Decision Point

This reality check set in motion a significant period of growth in my life. I decided to change my life and my career. At the time, I was the president of successful commercial finance company. I never really intended to end up in that role, but the natural circumstances, and those that I created resulted in it becoming my chosen profession. I wasn’t happy with what I was doing. I knew that my life purpose was not aligned with that work. It was something I knew for a long time, but I was afraid to do anything about it. 

The lifestyle that my success in that role provided, made it difficult to walk away. I enjoyed my life, but I often felt like helping people incur debt was a waste of my time and talents. I wanted to help people become liberated, not encumbered. I wanted to discover the "authentic me" and I wanted to help others find their "authentic self". 

I decided to rid myself of the obligations associated with my business. I really did let it all go. At first, I worried that everyone would think I failed and had to go out of business. Eventually, I came to realize that it really didn’t matter what anyone else thought. I was shedding a weight that was keeping me from reaching my potential and it felt good. I felt really happy.

When my friends found out what I was doing, they thought I was crazy. They couldn’t understand how I could let go of such a profitable venture. They wondered if my family and I would survive the loss. I have never looked back, and I can honestly say that I am being who I want to be and doing what I want to do. Many of my friends now say that they wish they had the courage that I had so that they could reinvent themselves too.

Life is Long – Life is Short

Sometimes we tell ourselves that we need to do what we are doing, even though we hate it. For some reason we think our survival depends on it. Of course this is not true. We are fortunate enough to be able to invent whatever existence we want to invent. We can be whoever we want to be and do whatever we want to do. There will always be consequences, some good, and some not so good, but each of us truly is free to do whatever we want to do. 

Life can feel very long and boring when we are living someone else’s dream. If we live according to our passion, it passes by as if it were a dream. I realize that living the dream often requires us to sacrifice something. It may mean that we make less money but when we are happy, we can never miss what we do not have.

This Is Your Life!

My friend Richard Leider believes that we would all be wise to regularly check in on the purpose and meaning making side of our life, to ensure that it remains healthy. As we age, we easily accept the importance of submitting ourselves to physical and financial check-ups, but for some reason, it is easy for us to neglect the follow-up we need to make sure we are living a meaningful life.

Richard suggests we pause each year on our birthday and reflect on the following statements to see if we are living on purpose

1. I work at what I love to do.
2. My daily choices are driven by a strong sense of purpose.
3. There is a clear alignment between what I say my priorities are, and how I spend my time.
4. I invest in making a difference in the lives of others.
5. I know what I would like to be remembered for.

I also invite you to ask yourself the following questions. Am I getting what I want out of life? Am I looking for ways to make my aspirations and dreams a reality? Do I know who I want to be when I grow whole? 

If there is any doubt in your responses or any inconsistencies that you feel when you review these statements then it is most likely time for you to consider what commitments you are willing to make to get your self back on track. One of the most beautiful things about this life is that we can start over at any moment. It is all invented by us. We are not bound by our previous action.

My dad often quoted a bit of anonymous wisdom, I know he was not the first to utter this wonderful piece of prose, but to me, it belongs to him:

Yesterday is a canceled check. Tomorrow is a credit. Today is the only ready cash you have. Spend it wisely. 

Don’t allow yourself to willingly give your time away to pursuits that bring little joy or meaning. Instead, focus your energy on the things that matter most.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548 

While we were there, we decided to learn how to surf. Neither one of us had ever done it before, and we felt like it would be a good way to test our physical conditioning and strength. A friend of mine is attending college and working as a surf instructor on Oahu, so we decided to spend a day at Waikiki Beach with him.

Finding A Rhythm

At first, we received some basic instructions on the shore. We learned how to paddle the board, how to get in position for the wave and how to stand up. It all seemed very easy until we entered the water. Then, things quickly became very confusing.

There were a lot of other people in the water who were also learning to surf. We were on long boards and they were very difficult to maneuver. Even though the waves were gentle, they were relentless and it took us a while to find our rhythm and timing.  

Finally, we mastered the art of getting in position and then we caught our first rides. It was amazing. I don’t really have the words to describe it. Despite all the other people there, I felt like I was the only person in the world. It was quiet and loud at the same time. It was a wonderfully beautiful feeling. For the first time, I felt like I understood the music of the Beach Boys. I truly was sitting on top of the world.

Sticking With It

The waves on Waikiki are known for their long and gentle rides. Each time we caught a wave, we were able to ride it almost all the way to the shore. Then we would have to paddle back out. Getting back in position required a lot of effort. It truly tested our levels of fitness. The exhilaration of the ride made the long paddle out worth it, but it also tired us out.

Each time I got into position for the next wave, I had the opportunity to rest by floating on my board. There was no pressure to catch the next wave, because I knew that there would always be another one right behind it. Some waves, were bigger than the others, but for the most part, I could rest until the I was ready, without any thought of missing my opportunity. If I was lucky enough to get out there in between the natural sets, I could rest even longer. These moments of recovery made it easy for me to stay at it, the entire time we had allotted to us.

Living At The Speed of Life

Life is also rhythmic. Sometimes we get concerned that if we don’t jump right into something we will miss our opportunity. Fortunately, the old adage, "Opportunity only knocks once", is false. LIke the waves of the sea, the opportunities of life are endless. It is true, that some may be easier for us to catch, and may even propel us more powerfully, but there will always be a new one available to us. All we have to do is to get into position and make ourselves ready to go for it.

The energy we spend getting into position and riding the waves of opportunity can burn us out or burn us up. We need to make sure we take the time to float, so that we can catch our breath and renew our vision. It is easy, while floating, to fill like we are missing something. Learning how to wait, is just as important as learning how to get in to position. The renewal of our energy that comes from our moments of rest is vital. It helps us become our best.

I noticed while in the water, that with each new wave, I learned something new. By the end of the day, I could call myself a surfer. I learned confidence and technique. Each ride taught me something about the wave and about life. I am still learning from those life lessons and they continue to energize me. I hadn’t really thought of my surfing lesson for over a year now, but the scheduled rest I am taking this week helped me bring it back into my mind. I may miss some opportunities this week, but there will be new ones next week and I will be ready to catch them.

How do you renew your energy? What are you doing to makes sure that you stay anxiously engaged in work and life? How are you creating the space you need to bring your life and leadership responsibilities into harmony?

I invite you to take a break and think about these questions. Doing so, will set you apart from those who are constantly paddling and paddling. People always ask me where I get so much energy. My answer is always the same – I allow myself the opportunity to take lots of breaks in between sets. I hope you will join me.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Today, I will cut it all off and go back to wearing it short again. A part of me is actually looking forward to getting it done. It takes a lot of work to keep it looking right, and it easily moves into random patterns of disarray. I feel like I have had a year of bad hair days. Every where I went, I felt compelled to explain why my hair is so long.

The Face In The Mirror

As I styled it this morning, I realized that I will most likely never grow it this long again. It was one of those moments we all have when we realize we are experiencing something for the last time. Those moments, of course become more frequent as we age. Some pass with little remorse and others are much more difficult to let go of.

My curly hair is part of my identity. Especially when I think of the "young Andrew". This opportunity to grow it long reconnected me with my youth. The way it moves and feels when I shake my head, is something that I never expected to feel again. I will miss that. 

My children all have curly hair. When my hair is short, everyone asks them where they got their beautiful curly hair. I enjoyed hearing people say to them, "your hair is just like your dads!" It connected us. I will miss that too. 

A part of me loves the random pattern of curls and the freedom I feel in not caring how it looks. I admit to shedding more than a few tears at the prospect of cutting it off, and wouldn’t you know it, today I am having a good hair day.

The Road Ahead

It is easy to focus on the "lasts" we are experiencing and descend into a melancholy mood. I am learning, that the endings we face are really marking new beginnings. I think it is normal to allow myself a moment to say goodbye to the "previous me". It gives me a chance to truly celebrate who I am in this moment. The trouble comes when we try to hold on to that moment. To truly move ahead, we must be willing to let go of who we are, so that we may become who we will be.

If I look backward, I feel a sense of loss. When I look forward, I feel a sense of wonder and excitement. The other day, my friend Eddie asked me an interesting question. He wanted to know what I would do if I were given the opportunity to return to my 21 year old self. Would I take that opportunity? I didn’t hesitate. I said that I had no interest in going backward. Then I said something that he said he had never heard before. I told him that I am not interested in going back in time, but the prospect of moving forward was tempting. I am inspired by who I may become in the future and I am tempted to see what that person will look like. I know the future me, will be a better me. I would enjoy gaining a glimpse of what that "me" will look like.

Living In The Now

Thankfully, I am content to live in the now. I am really not interested in going backward or forward. I just want to be the best me right now. Of course, that means that I will constantly straddle the breach between the previous me and the future me. I will continue to feel the loss and the pain of letting go of some things that defined the previous me. I understand that those meaningful moments actually provide me with the opportunities I need to embrace the future me. My joy is in discovering how the future me will be defined.

The core of my authentic self will always be here. If I let it, the future will merely provide opportunities for me to open up and shine more brightly. Today, I celebrate a new beginning. I am stepping forward with confidence. I hope to see you on the road!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I call it my "in-between" week. I use this week to ponder and meditate. I focus on my values and aspirations. I take inventory to make sure that I am engaging in activities that will help me become my best. I make sure that my future commitments are aligned with what I truly want out of life. I make adjustments when necessary and I prepare myself for the new adventures that are about to begin.

Pregnant Pauses

I don’t just sit around all day doing nothing. My rest weeks are actually very full, but they are filled with a different kind of busyness. I spend the majority of my time actively planning and thinking. To me, these are very creative moments. My brain and intellect are anxiously engaged in discovering how I will raise the bar. I want to take things to the next level, and the higher I go, the harder that becomes.

That is why this week is so important to me. My body and my soul are fatigued. The energy that continuous improvement requires taxes every part of my being. The renewal that this week yields is amazing. It always fills me with the desire to jump back into the game of life, without holding anything back. When the week ends, I feel alive with a desire to become. It is such a great gift to give myself.

Making It Happen

I am sure that most of us can relate to the feelings generated by a hectic and frenetic schedule. The are times when we wonder how we will ever make it through. In the moments when we are pressing forward with maximum energy, we often tell ourselves that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We convince ourselves that in a few weeks we will make our way through this hectic time and then we will be able to rest for a while before the next big project starts. Unfortunately, many of us never pause to take the break we need. For some reason, we worry that if we stop, we will be left behind. So we keep pushing ourselves forward, despite a promise, that we will get some rest, and then we wonder why we feel burnt out or burnt up.

Rest is an essential part of our plan for increasing our levels of productivity. We are the ones responsible for making sure we get it. I am not talking about taking a week off so that we can sit on the couch and completely vegitate. I am simply suggesting that we need to program gaps in our schedules that allow us recovering time.

It is possible to plan a lighter schedule at work. We can be there – we can be present, and we can afford ourselves the time we need to plan and think about how we will move our responsibilities forward. It is ok to put the heavy burdens down for a week so that we can revive ourselves. 

Are you making sure that you build enough recovery time into your busy schedule? What are some activities that you enjoy doing to prepare yourself to raise your own personal bar? How do you renew your energy? 

Please take some time to think about these questions and the ones they invoke in your own mind. Then create a plan to ensure the rest that you need to stay fresh and productive. 

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

The experience was fulfilling and rewarding. I am alive with the memories of entertaining sold-out audiences and giving everything that I am to my portrayal of Joseph. I am extremely satisfied with my effort. The kind comments and embraces will long resonate in my soul. I am so happy that I stretched to make this happen. It was not easy and it required many sacrifices from both my beautiful family and me.

Holding On

There is a part of me that wishes it would never end. I feel connected to the role and the story. By the end of our 10 show run, I felt very comfortable being Joseph. I wish that I could now move on to another town and just continue the performances. I know that with each show, I would gain an even greater understanding of the character and I would know how to inject even more of myself into the role. I really believe that I am energetic and passionate enough to bring this role to life for many more performances. 

My desire to hold on to this moment, reminds me of a beautiful tradition from Tibet. There, the Buddhist Monks, create exquisite paintings out of colored sands. These paintings are intricate creations that take many days of intense labor to complete. Some even take weeks and months to finish.  

The purpose of the paintings is to connect the monks, and their followers, with the spiritual teachings that are passed down from generation to generation. The paintings are symbolic representations of  both spiritual and temporal beliefs. The monk’s only aspire to bring those teachings into physical form for the good of the people. Their entire focus is on bringing to light the true purpose of life. They spend countless hours carefully placing the multi-colored sands that bring these visions to life.

The finished painting are only enjoyed for a brief moment. Shortly after they are completed, the monks destroy them. They do this to symbolize the impermanence of everything in this world. The whole experience becomes a vivid reminder of the physical nature of things. Nothing is permanent. We will all pass away. Then we will know that many of the things which we think are so important today, have very little meaning in the eternal realms we will inherit. The real joy comes from the process, our commitment to being, and the journey we find ourselves in along the way.

The monks collect the colored sands and pour them into a nearby river or stream. It is believed that the energy invested in the painting will be carried by the flowing waters throughout the world and that this energy will serve as a healing power to the world. 

Letting Go

Now, it is time for me to sweep up the multi-colored sands of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and allow the energy created from our performance to flow out of the theater, through the river of the collective experiences our audience will take into our community. There is a buzz in the community about this work. We touched the hearts of our audience. Our creation, which was framed by an intimate theater, is now being spread to the world in ways in which we as cast members will never fully see or comprehend. Our energy is flowing through the world and it is healing others. I know this, because I have already heard a few accounts of reconciliation and I know there will be many more.

I am excited for the future. I do not need to cling to this experience, because I know that I will continue to create many opportunities to use my talents on many different stages. Each of them will be different. Each of them will allow me to give something more of my self to create a new mosaic of life and spirit.

Letting go of this experience is not an ending, it is a beginning. I now have a new platform for growth. I now can move to my next level. I am not able to identify what that will be at this moment, but I know it is coming. I look forward to embracing it. 

Stepping Into The Future

Our future opportunities for growth will not manifest themselves until we are ready to let go of the things for which we are currently praised and adored. The comfort and safety these experiences bring to our lives make it difficult to aspire and commit to becoming something more. We can never move on to our next level until we are ready to say goodbye to the current successes we enjoy. The journey to the future requires us to leave much behind. We muse pack lightly. In fact the only thing we can really take with us is our learnings from climbing to previous heights.  

Where do you find yourself today? Are you nearing the peak of that experience? Are you ready to raise the bar?

Does the thought of letting go bring a little fear into your being? Does it bring excitement? 

It is natural to feel both. My invitation is for you to use the excitement to propel you forward. Don’t let it be wasted. I am certain that you have many aspirations. Don’t wait for someday to reach for them. The time is now – don’t let it pass you by. 

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

She flew down, so that meant that we had an hour in the car together when she arrived and then another hour when she departed. I did my best to pack in all of the things I wanted to say to her during our brief time together, but it did not seem like there was enough time.

As I drove her to the airport, I found myself wishing for more time together. The airport entrance is regulated by a traffic signal. In my normal rush, I always hoping that the light will be green, but this time I found myself feeling thankful that it was red. I appreciated every last second we had together. As I sat at the light, tears came to my eyes. I knew she needed to go, and that it is better for her to be where she is living, but I just did not want to let her go. I hid the tears as best as I could.

As we embraced and said our goodbyes at the curb, I told her that her mother and I are so pleased with the way she is living her life, and that it is thrilling for us to witness her becoming a responsible adult. She smiled her beautiful smile and then made her way to the security lines. I imprinted that magic moment in my mind and that vision will last a lifetime and beyond.

What Time Is It? Right Now!

This choice experience reminded me that there is really only one scarce resource: time. Everything else is renewable, but time will eventually run out. In order to get the most out of life, we must learn to live and appreciate each moment. 

We must not waste our time being angry, feeling hurt, feeling scared or holding a grudge. Those feelings, and others like them will only decrease the quality of our lives.  When we learn to live our lives from an appreciative perspective, we begin to feel true joy and happiness. Those moments are what make life so good.

I realize that it is easier to be frustrated by all of the commotion that is continually going on around us, than it is to be captivated by the shining moments, but when we focus our energy on what is beautiful, peaceful and inspirational we live better lives.

Magic Moments

The red lights we face in life can either frustrate us, or mark the magic moments in which we feel great joy. We choose what they will be. The light is a constant. It is always the same. The only thing that changes is our response to it. 

I still have six children at home and I must confess that I allow many magic moments to pass without note. My experience with Christina reminded me how precious our time together really is. I find it interesting that the scarcer something becomes the more valuable it becomes. Time passes quickly. Each and every moment is valuable. My awareness of this fact helps me put the demands of life and work into perspective. I want to make sure I am spending my time with those I love. I want to make sure that when I am with them, I am building them and raising them up. That is where my greatest joy resides.

Are you making the most of your magic moments? What brings you the most joy and happiness? How much time do you spend engaging in those activities and with those people? What is the smallest change you can make today that would bring you the most joy?

The past and the future are very important. I believe in celebrating our past and planning our future. Today, my invitation is for you to spend some time living in the moment. I want you to consider the questions above and begin to discover how you can more fully let go of the past and the future when you find yourself in the midst of a magic moment. Don’t let anything get in the way. The past and the future will always be there, but now is only happening right now! Make the most of it!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

At first, this was an extreme challenge. The darkness of this uninhabited region is only interrupted by the light of the morning stars. The absence of light makes it difficult to see the bumps and depressions that naturally make up the desert floor. The fear of twisting an ankle slows the pace, quickens the heart, and plays tricks on the mind.

The darkness also makes the hills seem steeper and longer. My inability to see can be discouraging, turning the hills I run so effortlessly in the daytime into major challenges for my legs and lungs.

Finding My Way

In the beginning I often returned home with some sort of knee or ankle injury. The bumps, bruises, sprains or twists were always minor, but the thought of sustaining a major injury always permeated my consciousness as I silently ran through the breaking dawn.

After a while, I became accustomed to the darkness. My body learned how to adjust to the uneven surfaces and I rarely stumble now. In fact, I regularly scramble up the rocky hills without a thought or care. I am so comfortable with the terrain now that it makes no difference if it is day or night. I instinctively know my way, which makes it easy to find it in the dark.

Sticking With It

It would have been very easy for me to say, "I can’t run during this time of year because it is too dark". Instead, I chose to lean into the discomforting circumstances so that I could make them comfortable. Many times, I thought, "it is too dark, or too cold". I wanted to quit, but I wanted to stay in running shape more, so I kept at it.

Sometimes we find ourselves in similar situations in life. We hope for the easy way, but rarely find it. The good things we accomplish, usually only happen after we are tested by personal battles. Too many people quit before they are able to develop the comfort and competence they need to become confident. A few stick with it until the challenge is conquered and success is met. It is interesting to note that successful people are not people without problems; they are simply people who figured out how to overcome their problems. We all have problems. Our individual success is often determined by our ability to stick with it until we find our way.

Stepping Into Destiny

What are the obstacles that are frustrating your forward progress? Sometimes, sticking with it, is more valuable than developing an elaborate plan. Are you willing to invest the energy needed to overcome those obstacles? What do you need to do each day to make sure you are moving forward instead of treading water? 

Please spend some time considering these questions. Your answers will help you become comfortable on the uneven ground you will naturally face. I run in the darkness now without ever thinking about twisting or hyperextending an ankle or knee. I can only experience this because I approached this challenge with consistency until it became second nature to me. The more time you spend in action, the sooner you will feel comfortable in motion.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Life for me right now is consumed with this production. I can hardly think of anything else. The finish line is in sight and I am focused on crossing it. There are moments when I feel drained of all my energy and wonder how I can possibly go on, and then there are other moments when I feel like I could go on forever and that I never want it to end.

The Inner Voice

The praise and congratulations are meaningful, but they will not be the most cherished memories of this experience. Instead, I will remember the moments on stage when I feel so incredibly alive. It is difficult to describe what happens to me when I am able to push past my insecurities and my vulnerabilities and give all of who I am. During those moments, it feels like time stops, or at least slows to a pace where I can see and comprehend everything that is going on around me. My sense of purpose, fills my entire being and I know that I am engaging in magical moments. My inner voice speaks to me of the connections I am making at that moment in time. I may not ever know the impact of those connections, but I know they are being made.  

This is not the first time that I have heard my inner voice, in fact, it speaks to me often. Sometimes it encourages me to stretch and other times it confirms my efforts. It is all I need to feel satisfied. When that inner voice speaks, I know I am valued and loved. The loud applause and critical acclaim eventually fall silent, but my inner voice of confidence is always there to enliven my spirit and brighten my day.

Becoming Our Best

Recognizing this voice is an essential ingredient to becoming our best. Too many times, we rely on others to validate our efforts, only to discover that their voices can not sustain us. The praise of others is desirable, but by itself it cannot fill us up. We must be able to find those quiet moments when we can bathe ourselves in individual affirmation.

There is a moment in the show when Joseph is wearing his amazing technicolor dreamcoat. Everyone around him is jealous and they are trying to tear him down, instead of building him up. During those trying times, his inner voice sings, "I look handsome, I look smart, I am a walking work of art. Such a dazzling coat of many colors, how I love my coat of many colors." 

It is a beautiful experience to permit myself to sing these lines. They are not sung with pride or delusions of grandeur, they are sung from the joy of receiving such a wonderful gift. Though no one else can appreciate the gift, my inner voice allows me to step into the light at center stage and celebrate the wonderful gift given by a loving father.

I often ask myself, "if I can’t allow myself to see my unique qualities and my individual greatness, who will? Do you ever worry about celebrating your own greatness? Do you feel like you will be seen as arrogant or cocky if you allow yourself to walk in the light of your confidence?

If you ever find yourself feeling those thoughts, please consider the following poem which was written by Marianne Williamson:

Our biggest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our biggest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us
And as we let our own light shine
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

Now, allow yourself to shine brightly so that the rest of us can see your light. We need your light. It helps us shine brighter too. There will always be those who will speak negatively or reject you, but when you listen to your inner voice and allow yourself to shine, you will not feel the sting of their critical barbs. Instead, you will be alive in being the best possible you.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Our cast is amazing and being a part of this production is such a thrill. There are a several moments in this production that are simply magical. I feel so incredibly alive and aligned with my purpose. At times, I feel like I am shining brighter than the spot lights that are illuminating the set. 

Individual Worth

There are other moments that simply terrify me. In many of the scenes, my costumes are minimal. I spent a lot of time over the past year getting this 44 year old body into its best shape ever, but some parts of me just didn’t shape up the way I expected. It is difficult to explain how vulnerable I feel standing on the stage without the benefit of clothing to hide the unshapely parts of me. I worry that the audience will not see anything else.

This vulnerability helps me feel the power of those scenes. I don’t feel ashamed in any way, but I feel the pain of being stripped and wrongly accused. The scenes of betrayal also bring vivid memories of those times in my life when someone I love let me down. There are so many emotions evoked by these scenes that I often worry about breaking down and being unable to finish.

Fortunately, the lessons I learned through my own experiences give me the strength to know that a new dawn always breaks and that the sun always shines its happy and life giving light on those who refuse to be beaten by the discouraging moments that pepper the normal life.

Up On Hollerin Rock!

I often find myself on my morning runs at a spot I call Hollerin Rock. I wrote about it in previous posts. I like to climb to its peak and survey the beautiful valley around me. At times, I shout the desires of my heart into the universe with a promise to live a life worthy of their fulfillment. 

I was up on Hollerin Rock this morning before the sun came up. It was a beautifully clear and crisp dawn. The lights of our town were blinking off as they greeted the morning light. The hills behind the valley were lit with the promise of a new day. I felt the pulse of our town and marveled at the dreams and aspirations that each light represents.

I knew that in each structure, someone was greeting the day with the same hopes and fears that we all face. I promised again to be a creator and builder instead of destroyer. I promised to be the best Andrew, the good and noble Andrew, the loving and kind Andrew, even the Andrew that brings joy to others. I imagined myself shining brightly at the end of the show in my Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat after overcoming all of the obstacles and thought to myself – Life is Good! 

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

There is a big difference between doing our best and becoming our best. Life is not about what we do, though that seems to receive the majority of our attention, it is about who we become. What we do provides us with the defining moments in our life – the moments when we must make decisions. Our choices shape us and mold us into who we are.

Doing Your Best

The charge to do our best is something few of us can remember living without. From our earliest days, we are taught that the harder we work, the more capable we will be of providing a life worth living. We are constantly reminded that if we want a nice car, a beautiful house and even a happy family, then we must do our best. Achievement seems to be the road to happiness.

But those who worship the god of achievement soon discover that it is a cold and uncaring god. The rewards that flow from it can only fill us up temporarily. The things we get as a result of our constant doing can never fully fill us up, they only leave us with a feeling that we need more. The pursuit of more and more stuff,  eventually leads each of us to a very similar question; "life seems to be just a constant pursuit of acquiring stuff – is this really all there is?"

Growing Whole

I don’t mean to suggest that achievement is bad, but it can only be a part of what completes us and makes us whole. It plays an essential role in helping each of us establish a solid foundation from which to live our lives. Without it, it truly would be difficult to arrive at a feeling of wholeness. This doesn’t change the fact that by itself, achievement only leads us to an empty existence.  

Growing whole requires so much more than doing our best. The journey to wholeness only begins when we ask ourselves a simple question that has puzzled even the brightest philosophical minds. The question to which I refer is "who am I?" The more we ponder this question, the more we begin to recognize and understand our true identity. The answers we receive do not represent our current reality. Instead, they actually provide us with a vivid picture of  the person we may become. This vision helps us identify our purpose which then leads us to the discovery of our individual legacy. 

This picture of our true potential, reveals to us a newfound awareness of who we must become in order to experience wholeness. For the first time, we see things as they really are and we begin to see ourselves for who we may become. This clarity instills within us a willingness to develop the behaviors and characteristics we need to manifest our authentic self. We spend each day fulfilling this vision through activities that complete us and make us whole. 

Permission To Shine

Once our identity is no longer masked by our achievements, others begin to see us for who we really are. They see a light in our eyes that identifies us as one who is comfortable with being authentic and whole. Our certainty, attracts those who are seeking similar light and they begin to add their light to ours.

As we become one, the natural feelings of jealousy and competition are eroded from our minds. This provides the permission each of us needs to become our best, which in turn leads to an overwhelming sense of wholeness.

My invitation to you today is to ponder that great existential question – "who am I?" I want you to see what I am so inadequately describing in this post. My words are not sufficient to say what I really know – they can only provide a glimpse into what it really means to grow whole and complete. To catch the full vision, you must do the work I am describing. That is how you will grow whole.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Last night, I was barely able to sing my part. This frustrated me. I couldn’t do what I am normally capable of doing. I could sing, but I could not generate any volume. When I tried to generate the volume that I needed, my voice cracked. I felt powerless and vulnerable. I don’t know any other way to describe it other than to say that I felt like I lost my super-powers.

Patience

This experience reminded me of the aging process that I am facing, and that everyone of us must someday face. One day we just wake-up and find that we are unable to do some of the things we use to do. When we first experience this, our mind sometimes tell us to go ahead and try and do it, but usually our body just won’t let us.

When these moments happen to me, I feel a lot like I felt last night. At first, I felt sad, but then I realized that I still could contribute something and so I did my best to fill the space as appropriately as possible. I wasn’t good enough to be show quality, but I was good enough to help the other cast members run through their parts.

Focusing On What We Gain

Our friends in Hollywood and TV Land teach us that the aging process is a losing process. Growing old, is rarely embraced. Nearly every example we see is about what people lose and how it affects their lives.  The stars we idolize are doing everything they can to appear young. As a result, many of us to want to do the same thing.

When I take a moment to see things as they really are, I discover that in the aging process, there are many more gains than there are losses. I personally don’t feel like I am growing old, because I see that I am growing whole. As I age, I begin to see the grand sum of my life experiences in perspective. I see how they fit together and how they can influence my future. This makes me better able to deal with the new experiences and challenges I face. All of my life experiences are working together to complete me. I am becoming the Andrew of my dreams. Without the aging process, it would never be possible for me to reach my potential. I would be stuck in a hovering state with little or no hope of growing into the person that I want to become. 

Do You See What I See?

What is it like for you? Is the aging process a vitalizing process? Do you look at the second half of life as a time of opportunity to engage in making your life aspirations a reality? Are you focused on growing whole instead of growing old?

Because my voice was different last night, I was able to see things that I normally would not have seen. I couldn’t just rely on one strength. I had to really focus on all of the resources I posses. This experience gave me a glimpse of what it would be like to engage the whole Andrew in the production.

I recognize that this type of thinking requires a bit of reframing, and that is exactly what I am inviting you to do. I want you to see things differently. I want you see things as they really are, because I know that when you do, you are going to see life for what it really is – Life is your opportunity to become. Don’t let it wait any longer.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548