I stood at the counter of my local pizzeria, holding my son Paul who was 6 months old and stealing the show.
The owner of the Pizzeria, who I only knew as “The Pizza Dude” (but being from NY I’m sure it had to be Mario or Tony or something) was looking at my son and it was quite evident that he was drifting off on an “outer body experience”. Turns out, he had been traveling back in time and then said something to me, that I have never forgotten. “Its none of my business but make sure you appreciate each day of your child’s life. Before you know it, you’ll have kids in their twenties like mine”
There was something in his words and even his tonality that hit home with me. I decided to take his advice.
Turns out, his advice came to me at a critical point in my life because 6 months later, I lost my business, my cars and was deep in debt. For the next few years I had to be very focused on digging my family out of the hole I dug, but I never lost focus on the really important thing . . . my family.
I won’t lie to you, we were poor but the swing set at the park was free! On Friday nights we would watch Cartoon Cartoon Friday and camp out in my living room with our sleeping bags.
Then something happened, I blinked my eyes, and that little boy of 6 months morphed into a 16 year old while the rest of my family grew up!
And now . . . the point!
I don’t know you and much like that Pizza dude said to me 16 years ago, I have a message for you:
Make sure you conquer the world at home!
1) You schedule appointments at work . . . schedule time with your family!
2) When was the last time you had a date with your significant other? Doesn’t have to be expensive, just needs to be your time together. As parents sometimes we forget the importance of dating and romance.
3) If there is a fence in need of mending, mend it dude! It takes too much energy to be pissed and life is way too short.
4) Give people their “flowers” while they’re alive instead of on their tombstone! Please take a moment to reflect on this. I promise you there’s some wisdom in these words from the late, great Des Castain!
5) Commit to having at least 1 (week day) family meal, each week. Communicate, laugh and savor the moment!
6) Get out of your office at a decent time, even if you have to take some work home with you!
7) You “Wow” your customers, find a way to “wow” your personal relationships. Hint: surprises and spontaneity!
8) Be Present: Life is so much better when you shut your cell off and pay attention to your family, friend, significant other.
9) Take a moment to stop time and catch yourself having fun. And when you do simply dig the moment!
10) Don’t be the guy in that “The Cat’s In The Cradle” song. Seriously! Listen to it every now and again for a reality check 🙂
Successful people conquer the world at home too!
I’ve told that “Pizza Dude” story to every new parent I’ve met for the last 16 years. And now I pass this lesson along to you with respect and appreciation to a person who altered my direction!
To our relationships!
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