January 2017 – Fast:Forward Farther

January 30, 2017January 27, 2017

Decision Time

Our nation is at a crossroads – divided down the middle which way to turn. Choose wisely and we might soar higher. Choose poorly and the annals of history could note this is when it all ended… relegating the greatest democracy the world has known to just a date in a book… like every dynasty that preceded us.

I’m not smart enough to know the right answer. There are people who spend their entire lives focusing on economic and political strategies. I’m just a guy who lives in Tomball, Texas, that gets up every day and tries to be the best person I can be.

What I have learned in 36 years of working is that everyone is pretty much the same. Some people make more money, some less. Some people are book smart, some great with their hands. Some people seem to dance through life as if on a cloud, some struggle daily just to make it through. Ultimately, though, 99.62% of the people I’ve met during my career are good people who care about others and want to do the right thing.

I’ve worked with many people of different faiths: Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist. Spiritualists. Agnostics. Non-believers. Out of curiosity, I’ve had a lot of conversations about their belief systems. While the traditions and dogma vary, the bottom line is the same: start with love and make the world a better place.

I’ve worked with many people of different color – white, black, brown and blended mixtures in this great melting pot. For many years during my sports television career, the director who sat right next to me in the truck was black. We traveled together. Ate together. Worked together. Had many deep discussions about what he faced growing up… and he told me stories about the blatant discrimination his grandparents endured when they were young.

One time I said to Kathy: “There would be no racism, if every person on the planet had the opportunity to work side-by-side with JT.” For it is our lack of connection with and understanding of others that displaces love with fear… and that keeps alive conflict generation after generation after generation.

It’s time to make a decision. Will this be an inflection point… or a tumble?

January 28, 2017January 27, 2017

Red Envelope

It’s the little things that make a difference. A smile given freely as you pass someone on the sidewalk. A phone call to a friend you haven’t spoken with in awhile. A good ear and silence when your significant other just needs you to listen.

Yet you miss so many opportunities. Rushing by with your head down heading to the next appointment. Going to bed exhausted promising yourself to dial that number tomorrow. Interjecting an opinion that turns the conversation and makes it about you.

This week I was shadowing a client who is CEO of a hospital. As I followed him on rounds through the various departments, we encountered many people. Each one – despite the stresses of being a health care provider – smiled, shook my hand and was fully present during our brief encounter.

At one stop I met a woman named Tran. After a few minutes of conversation, she said: “Wait a minute, I have something for you.” She stepped into her office and quickly returned… then she handed me a red envelope with a design of a dragon in gold on it.

Later I looked inside and it was a $2 bill. The gesture made my day… and allowed me to experience an important tradition in the Chinese culture.

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2017November 30, 2016

Lessons Learned – #1

And here’s the most important thing I learned during 2017:

Gift Giving – At this time of year, contributing to a charitable organization is not just about getting a tax break – it’s about sharing your blessings. If you’re seeking a worthy cause, here is a nonprofit where 87% of donations go directly to helping children:

Samaritan’s Feet – Did you know 1.5 billion people suffer from parasitic foot diseases picked up through contaminated soil? This group’s mission is to “serve and inspire hope and opportunity among the world’s most impoverished children, by washing their feet, providing a new pair of shoes, and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.” A $20 contribution buys shoes for a barefoot child and moves the charity closer to its goal to give 10 million pairs to 10 million children in 10 years.