Lifesavers for Latasha

For the last month, I have been thinking deeply about the finiteness of life and priorities. One could assume this is because of my current circumstances, or maybe it’s because of my surroundings, or perhaps it’s just that I have had the time and space to think.

Or maybe all of the above; I’m not sure, but I do know that as time keeps turning, it is unforgiving. It doesn’t care about anyone’s circumstances, shortcomings, goals, fears, or plans.

Nope. Time doesn’t care. But we care. Our friends, family, and loved ones care—some more than others—but someone out there cares.

So why am I thinking about time? I suppose because, in the process of reflection, I get angry about mistakes, past wrongdoings (both by others to me and me to others), not prioritizing the right things, not achieving goals in time, trusting the wrong people, etc. You get the point; the would’ve, should’ve, could’ve thoughts.

To my point, so what? Who cares? The past is the past, and that’s where I choose to leave it. I decide to take those lessons and apply them in the future to be a better man, mentor, coach, leader, friend, and husband.

My thoughts go to this because I don’t subscribe to the “pity party” or “woe is me” mantra in life. Bad things happen to good people. It’s as simple as that. It’s how you frame and reframe those terrible life events that matter. The grit and resilience one puts forth to deal with the messiness of life.

I’ve always felt that the universe rewards those cooperating with it rather than fighting against it.

But I digress, to my actual point. As we navigate the different stages of life, we mature and grow for the betterment (well, most do, sadly, a lot of people don’t) of ourselves, our family, and our tribe. After all, stupid young men and women make wise old men and women, right?

I want to improve as I reflect on the past, present, and future. I want to be better for Tasha, myself, and others that I come across or are in my tribe. I want to be a beacon of goodness to grow those around me into the best versions of themselves and continue to grow myself and the culture around me. I want to champion a culture centered around empathy, love, empowerment, and pushing those around me to their most incredible heights.

I don’t know what this means for me, but I know it means I want a greater meaning in life—a meaning centered around helping people be their best, rippling into others’ lives, and creating a network of good people who strive for greatness and leave a wake of love behind them.

When I write that down, it seems silly, like a Pollyannish fantasy. But is it? Is it asking too much to push people to be their best and be good to those around them?

I say all this to say that it all boils down to one word: culture.

It is creating a tribe that embraces a culture of strong, resilient, caring leaders.