As I think about this past year, I think about the journey. Not contemplating the journey is not valuing the lessons learned along the way. And let’s be real, not all lessons are fun or pleasant, but with the right perspective, you can grow and move on.
I experienced some tough lessons. Both Tina and I experienced the loss of a brother. Family members with cancer. And challenges in business.
What did I learn? You can love more. You can embrace grace. You can become more empathetic and kinder. You can give yourself a break. You can learn to adjust and to pivot, even to “give up” or relinquish some things.
I am 70. I have outlived some fantastic people. At a time when many my age are calling it quits (Said with absolutely NO JUDGEMENT!) I am feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and refired. Oh, don’t think I don’t have off days or that I realize there are things I am “not doing anymore.” But they don’t count!
This morning, a friend posted an image. It said, “Be brave enough to suck at something new!” I thought I never wanted to be anything but that. I still have mountains to climb!
I still ride motorcycles, though this year was challenging because of what my wife was going through. I still love business. I love God and all He offers. And I love family even when it has challenges. I love learning. I love research. I love pondering so many things!
And I take risks. On lots of things. (More to come on this, but have you seen the 1974 Monte Carlo I bought!)
Giving Up The Shore To Swim
I like to “hold onto things.” I have clothing older than my oldest child! 😊She would be embarrassed to hear me say that. Heck, I have clothing in packages older than my grandchildren.
This year, I decided to let go of some things.
- In a small way, I started selling things on Facebook Marketplace. My 1990 iPod is getting ready to go. Ahhhh! What about a vintage RCA B&W TV in orange? Or a vintage SKYPE phone? Or a Mac SE? My grandkids will tell you I still have my Motorola bag phone. (And my phone number from 1996)
- I told my wife I would empty the container. I have held on to things since our home was destroyed in 2008.
- I decided to sell a 7-year-old company called Positive News For You. (I have someone considering it.) Why? Because I don’t have time with the birth of a new company. And while I await a buyer, I add content, put up a round of new “good news” stories every day, and send out a newsletter EVERY day!
- I decided to sell off the domains that I am not using. Over 200. Want a list? Some of these I have held since the late ‘90s.
If you want to swim, you need to let go.
Am I Drowning
Some things have been really tough. When I lost my brother and two family members were sick, I thought that I was beginning to drown. I began fighting the negativity.
When I was young, I decided to swim under a long dock. I got stuck and had to slow my life down not to panic. I finally reached the end and came out. I know the “drowning” feeling.
I won’t dwell on the negatives. Sometimes, too many positives too fast can create an exhilaration, but also a sense of losing control.
Many people know that I am a church leader. I have shared “all over the place.” And I work hard to stay in a place of peace. Peace doesn’t happen in a vacuum, but all too often in the storm, and only if you decide you are going to do it.
And because I take risks, I make mistakes! LOTS OF THEM. I joke that I make more mistakes in a day than most people make before their first cup of coffee.
My family will tell you I admit my mistakes because, for me, it is about NOT DROWNING!
People can drown because they fight against the very rescue that has come to them.
There is a verse in the Bible I think of. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I am an early adopter, but I have learned to be an early adapter, as well.
Swim Like It Matters
When I was a child, there was an island on the lake we were staying on. I wanted to swim to the shore of that island. My parents said it was too far. I saw it as a challenge, and maybe a bit of rebellion. I swam a mile or so. Why? Because I could. Because I wanted to see how far I could go.
The bear climbed over the mountain to see what he could see.
There are times in my life where I was on the ropes. Drowning.
- An internet company in the 90s. I had made $75 over six months and hired a man to come work for me for $36,000 plus commission. And it worked.
- A talent show that cost $10,000 at a time when I didn’t have it. And it worked.
- A coffee company that came up against all the odds after tons of effort.
- There are many more.
As one of the greatest men in my life said to me one day. Never stop swinging.
Where is The Shore?
Only today did I hear a young woman say. “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” (She won the competition on Gordon Ramsey’s Food Stars and recently sold her company, Whiny Baby, to Gallo Wines.)
I have learned that it is the journey and not the destination. It requires a moment-to-moment discipline.
One of my boys was sitting with me a couple of weeks ago. I was telling him how I was going to do a car show that would cost “stupid money.” About another project I wanted to do next Christmas.
He said to me… “Why do you do this?”
I told him that making mistakes or losing is just part of the learning curve. It doesn’t mean life is over. And if it doesn’t work… next!
- A little over a year ago, I partnered with a company in Australia. We had a series of missteps. We pivoted and developed a new company that is going to take the world by storm. Outbound Impact
- This could be crazy fast.
- This is going to be huge!
- This year I started a company called Powerless Over Cars. It may have a life of its own.
- I am going to do a large car show in 2026. Keep watching.
- Our church has seen a surge in online visitation with over 100K views per week across social media. I have decided to add an online school in 2026.
- I bought a 1974 Chevy Monte Carlo to spend more time with my grandson.
- I took on a huge project to promote positivity and resilience amongst children AND adults.
- I want to start a ROKU channel.
- I want to do a crazy Christmas lighting and involve the community in 2026.
Being 70 is not an obstacle. It is a reason to do things you never did before.
Refired…Not retired.
If you want to buy my company, my domains, my marketplace items, give to our church or our nonprofit, PN4UINC, you know where to find me.
In the words of my friend, Roger Brooks. Don’t ever stop swinging.
And to my kids and grandkids… I am on your team.
