Paul Castain's Blog

Surrender . . . Or Grow?

Posted March 30, 2011

This is the kind of post that you write and feel like a wuss the whole time but things need to be said and perhaps a lesson can be learned.

Back in December, I mentioned that “someone very close to me” was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I mentioned how lucky she was to have found it at the earliest stage and how she had her surgery in January.

What I didn’t tell you is that it was my wife Laura.

No matter what the circumstances, or the severity of those circumstances, it’s very difficult to watch someone you love struggle with something.

Especially when the “enemy” is invisible.

It makes me kind of wish it had a face so I could just kick its ass, but life can be somewhat of a complex carbohydrate like that.

Somewhere between the worry, the tears and the medical expenses:

A strong 28 year relationship grew stronger: I was reminded that my time with her has an expiration date.

We learned to accept small victories (a good  day, a laugh or even a day when the situation wasn’t pissing us off)

I got better at showing my emotions in front of her. I still think it would have been easier to just kick someone’s ass . . . but sometimes a dude has to cry the way that dude did in Jerry Maguire at the end when he got that big contract. Its quite liberating actually 🙂

I became what experts call “useful” around the house and got back to cooking and helping out.

God and I had quite a few conversations . . . most recently in the form of my gratitude.

The next part is a first for me . . . I didn’t turn to my feel good “drug” of choice which has always been food!

I know that sounds weird and for some its alcohol, others its firing up the proverbial fatty . . . for me its eating foods that have contributed to me being a fatty   In this case, I actually lost 15 lbs!

The next part is radical, and I don’t suggest it for everyone!!!

Somewhere in this set of challenges, I decided to take the following quote to heart

“As it turns out, now is the moment you’ve been waiting for.” — Lucinda Williams

So I quit my job and started my training and coaching business because I got tired of putting it off.

Note: finding one’s balls is even better than my Jerry Maguire crying dude moment  Extremely liberating!

But as crazy as all this sounds . . .

I have learned

I have grown

I have found my peace and most importantly . . .

I got to find Paul Castain in the process.

I’m of the crazy mindset that surrendering might have given this experience a different face.

So it is with this experience that I proudly veer off from another one of life’s many crossroads with a can of whup ass that runneth over . . .

And my finger gun pointed sideways ready to bust another cap!

I wish you a “surrender free” journey and thank you for staying with me on mine!

With respect and appreciation.

A newly reinvented Me 🙂

Paul Castain is a bad ass who works with organizations and individuals who wish to achieve higher levels of badassery. He is so good that he no longer poses topless for his bio pictures. For more information on how Paul can help you and your company click here dude.

166 thoughts on “Surrender . . . Or Grow?”

  1. Paul, thank you for sharing your inspirational story. Sometimes we don’t realize what is truly important until it is nearly lost.

    The greatest tragedy in life is when you don’t live it to your fullest potential. I am glad you were able to find yours. Miriam

  2. Paul:
    Thank you for sharing your story. Keep the faith and continue to grow. My best to you and Laura and your family, you will be in my prayers. Thanks for sharing the Lucinda Williams quote as it resonates with all of us.
    Best,
    Mark

    1. A sincere honor Mark.

      You know its funny. I’ve always loved that Lucinda Williams quote, but now its just so much more meaningful to me.

      Thanks for stopping by Mark!

  5. Wow, thank you very much. I really like reading your blogs, but this one is at a new level. Lost my sister and aunt to breast cancer and would trade anything to have just an hour of time back with them. Thanks for reminding me and opening this day up as the one I need to live. Wherever you are, be there.

    1. I’m so sorry to hear that.

      Call me “warm and fuzzy” but I believe your sister and aunt would find great joy in knowing that you decided to honor their lives by living yours to the fullest.

  6. Wow, thank you very much. I really like reading your blogs, but this one is at a new level. Lost my sister and aunt to breast cancer and would trade anything to have just an hour of time back with them. Thanks for reminding me and opening this day up as the one I need to live. Wherever you are, be there.

  8. No need to feel like a wuss. Very manly testimony that we can all learn from. MY best to you and your wife. Count on prayers going to the big Guy on your behalf!

  9. A great response to a life challenge. You took the road less travelled for sure. An inspiring post, thanks for sharing and showing how tough a guy can really be.
    And bless your wife and speed her recovery.
    You are lucky to have each other.

  10. I’ve been going through a similar situation since I started reading your blog. My husband was diagnosed with Acute Myleogenous Leukemia in September. Came on swiftly and replicates to smother out the making of blood cells in the bone marrow. I have been shocked, angry, sad, spiritual and spent a lot of time internalizing all of my feelings to cheer lead for my husband who was in a battle for his life. Not sure if your family had this experience but it seems both Tom & I spent more time cheer leading for our families and friends then we had time to focus on the why us of it all. And you are so right, between the disease, the treatments, the bills, the loss of wages into the household budget..the sheer stress on top of it an already bad situation just…no other word for it….SUCKS! I now know why I have been so drawn to your blog in these past 8 months. Yes I sell products and manage a list of great customers and am actively looking for more all of the time as are my coworkers (who by the way have been and are ALL awesome people) but I find this part of my life has been my mental haven so to speak. I’d be interested in knowing how that worked for you.

    1. Thank you for sharing this Cheri . . . I had no idea!

      I hope I’m understanding your question. When you say “this” do you mean blogging, Twitter etc?

      The answer to that question is that this was (and is) a great outlet for me not so much to vent but to stay focused on serving at a time that it would be easier for me to ask to be served.

      It has a brought a sense of joy to the balance that helps fuel my tank and allows me to be respectful by giving back.

      And during a few low moments . . . it allowed me to crowd surf (I don’t wan’t to be carried) long enough for me to have another go.

      I’ll be saying some prayers for you and Tom.

      I will also reach out to you offline to chat.

      Hang in their my friend!

    2. Yes, you understood my question and thank you for responding. By the way, not many people knew or know. I am the master internalizer. So see how inspirational you really are? 🙂

  12. Thank you Paul for your inspirational post and quote. It reminds me of another favorite of mine….

    “Enjoy every sandwich” ~Lou Reed

  13. Paul,

    A reader for a short while. Your life events are badass: I would clairfy that “that’s life”. It’s bigger than any one of us and sometimes it takes something without a face – for us to ‘see’ it. Congratulations to your next quest. Ever present in our opportunitites!

    Clayman

  14. Wow Paul,,,what a compassionate story! Your comment that every relationship has an expiry date was key for me ,to wake up and enjoy the moments with your wife and family and appreciate them that much more.
    You have a unique ability to hit below the belt.
    Great for you! Thoroughly enjoy your wisdom,,,cheers

  15. Acceptance is something that I struggle with and I’m constatntly back and forth on this. I have a family member that has beaten cancer but the cancer came back for round 2. I saw what it did to this peron the first time around and I’m having a hard time accepting that it is back. We all want to be able to control everything in our lives but in reality we don’t have control over anything except for how we choose to react. We can make all the plans we want but we can’t plan the outcome, nobody knows. It seems like you are actually in a real good place, both spiritually and mentally. I wish you and your wife the best and enjoy each others company.

    B

    1. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family member.

      I wish I had ownership of that whole “we can choose how we react” lesson when I was younger.

      Great point!

      Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words!

  16. Another one that hits close to home, Paul. This past February was 4 years from my stage III diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer. It ’twas a b*tch, but I made it through!

    Best wishes to you, and especially, to your wife.

    🙂 Traci

  17. Another one that hits close to home, Paul. This past February was 4 years from my stage III diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer. It ’twas a b*tch, but I made it through!

    Best wishes to you, and especially, to your wife.

    🙂 Traci

  18. Bravo Paul… you are amazing…you demonstrate this quote entirely: “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value” Albert Einstein

  19. Thank you Paul for sharing your story!
    You are an inspiration every day–and you lift my spirits.

    About 12 years ago I went through with my parents what you are experiencing. I often tell people now that we all need to tell the people we love, that we love them–every day. My father taught me that as he struggled with cancer. He said that he had discovered finally, the ability to share his feelings that he had not had most of his life when he got sick. He was really grateful for that opportunity for the 2+ years as he fought for his life. 9 months later my mother died from Breast Cancer and it really hit home. We indeed do have an expiration date that none of knows in advance.
    I try to live it everyday in honor of my parents, but sometimes day to day life and struggles put it into the back of my mind rather than out front.
    Thank you for reminding me that now is the moment that I am waiting for!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife for a good fight and good win!

    1. What a great lesson to get from a very sad time in your journey.

      I have those days as well thinking about my Dad. Then I get annoyed with myself for still getting them after 23 years.

      Thank you for the thoughts and prayers . . . my wife is well and has only two more weeks of radiation.

      Peace!

  20. Paul, you continue to be an inspiration to me. You are never far from my thoughts with your blog’s push and Laura’s treatment. I have not been able to separate the two. A little over two years ago my best friend died of brain cancer, I wish I let my feeling show more to him and his family. As I look to you for leadership, know that you are my “rock star”. Peace be with everything you do. Heartfelt thank you, Jay

    1. I really appreciate your note Jay.

      I’m so sorry to hear of your loss but also happy for you for getting a lesson.

      So many times we strive for meaning which rarely comes to us.

      Thanks for the kind words my friend!

  22. I grow and live with the memory of my daughter every day Paul. Thank you for sharing your acceptance, courage and wisdom with me and this community!

    1. Thank you Dr. Rae. I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter.

      Acceptance, courage and wisdom are such a powerful combination and I’ve just put those words in my journal, thanks to you.

    2. Thank you Dr. Rae. I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter.

      Acceptance, courage and wisdom are such a powerful combination and I’ve just put those words in my journal, thanks to you.

  23. You are a great man to be so vulnerable, very inspiring. Thank You Paul and I wish you and Laura another 28 years. My folks are on 57 and have survived 4 rounds of cancer between them. It can be done.

    Cheers

  24. You are a great man to be so vulnerable, very inspiring. Thank You Paul and I wish you and Laura another 28 years. My folks are on 57 and have survived 4 rounds of cancer between them. It can be done.

    Cheers

  25. Real men cry…the ones that don’t are the real “wusses”. Thanks for sharing this, Paul and I hope Laura is on the road to recovery. Makes what I do feel even more vital…we really need to remember to reach out and let those around us know how much we care, we love them, we appreciate them, and need them in our lives. I need to share some love today…hope you all do, too!!

    1. Thank you Julie and Laura has 2 more weeks of radiation and she will be fully recovered!

      You’ve already shared some love my friend and for that I very appreciative!

  26. Paul, as a “noob” to Sales I have found your site, tweets, LinkedIn comments and podcasts to be so helpful. It’s amazing to think that behind all that inspiration you were having to deal with all that!

    I’m heading for our 8th wedding anniversary in a couple of months and your comment of being reminded there is an expiry date has struck a chord with me. I’m going to plan something special at least once a week for my wife and son, not least to show how much they mean to me, but also to give them something nice to remind me of when I’m gone.

    Thanks for your words, they give so much strength to so many.

    1. This was a wonderful note Mike . . . thank you for that!

      Good for you planning something special at least once a week and its a funny thing with that expiration date . . . it arrives way too fast.

      Enjoy this time with your wife and family Mike!

  28. Hey Paul, a very inspiring post to take life by the horns and roll with the punches. Reminds me of the quote “A mind stretched by new ideas never regains it’s original dimensions.” A sincere thanks for sharing.

  29. Hey Paul, a very inspiring post to take life by the horns and roll with the punches. Reminds me of the quote “A mind stretched by new ideas never regains it’s original dimensions.” A sincere thanks for sharing.

  30. Hey Paul,

    great writing! One thing that always reminds me to take care of my time on this planet: Pink Floyds song “Time” on Dark Side of the Moon. I bought it when I was 16 and since I know to share my time in the very moment, because it doesn’t come back. I hope to avoid to be guilty of not taking time for the one I love – my wife, my kids, my friends and even my customers. Guess what: They pay it back!
    Listen to the song and read the lyrics – it’s timeless true!

    Your sincerely
    Helmut

  31. Surrender, well, nah definitely not a word in my vocabulary!
    There’s growing potential in every positive and negative experience we have, sadly it’s often more true for the latter.
    I am glad things are working out good for you Paul, wish you all the best as usual.

  32. Surrender, well, nah definitely not a word in my vocabulary!
    There’s growing potential in every positive and negative experience we have, sadly it’s often more true for the latter.
    I am glad things are working out good for you Paul, wish you all the best as usual.

  35. Paul – well done. Love your line: “finding one’s balls is even better than my Jerry Maguire crying dude moment Extremely liberating”!

    Let em hang proudly dude! Wish all the best for Laura.

    johncharles – that is one of my favorite quotes!

    Here is the other one I carry close at heart at all times:
    “Courage has roots. She sleeps on a futon on the floor and lives close to
    the ground. Courage looks you straight in the eye. She is not impressed with power trippers, And she knows first aid. Courage is not afraid to weep, and she is not afraid to pray, even when she is not sure who she is praying to. When she walks, it is clear she has made the journey from loneliness to solitude. The people who told me she is stern were not lying; they just forgot to mention that she is kind.”
    ~Ruth Gendler-

    1. Jena . . . that is a very moving quote.

      I will be putting it in my journal this evening.

      Thanks for stopping by and for validating my comment about finding my balls 🙂

  36. Paul – well done. Love your line: “finding one’s balls is even better than my Jerry Maguire crying dude moment Extremely liberating”!

    Let em hang proudly dude! Wish all the best for Laura.

    johncharles – that is one of my favorite quotes!

    Here is the other one I carry close at heart at all times:
    “Courage has roots. She sleeps on a futon on the floor and lives close to
    the ground. Courage looks you straight in the eye. She is not impressed with power trippers, And she knows first aid. Courage is not afraid to weep, and she is not afraid to pray, even when she is not sure who she is praying to. When she walks, it is clear she has made the journey from loneliness to solitude. The people who told me she is stern were not lying; they just forgot to mention that she is kind.”
    ~Ruth Gendler-

  37. Paul – You struck a note or a chord here – (maybe a whole song), it’s plain to see after reading the comments. We’re all afraid to show our vulnerable side – but you’ve proven that doing so is often the link that reminds us that we’re all in this life together. And anyone that would take advantage of that vulnerability isn’t anyone I want as a friend or associate anyway.

    Your comment that time with your wife has expiration date hit home for me. There are those moments when a relationship seems to drag “forever” from fights, lack of money, difficulties in general. It reminded me to be thankful for all the wonder and coolness we’ve been blessed with in that regard – and to stay focused on the positive.

    Your Lucinda Williams quote was cool – I’ve been kicking around an idea for a while – and you just shoved me a giant step closer to it as well. What am I waiting for? There’s an expiration date on that too.

    Thanks dude.

    bob

    1. That expiration date thing was something I knew a while back but it took this situation for me to own.

      Same thing with that Lucinda Williams quote.

      Let me know if I can help you with that dream of yours dude!

  38. Paul – You struck a note or a chord here – (maybe a whole song), it’s plain to see after reading the comments. We’re all afraid to show our vulnerable side – but you’ve proven that doing so is often the link that reminds us that we’re all in this life together. And anyone that would take advantage of that vulnerability isn’t anyone I want as a friend or associate anyway.

    Your comment that time with your wife has expiration date hit home for me. There are those moments when a relationship seems to drag “forever” from fights, lack of money, difficulties in general. It reminded me to be thankful for all the wonder and coolness we’ve been blessed with in that regard – and to stay focused on the positive.

    Your Lucinda Williams quote was cool – I’ve been kicking around an idea for a while – and you just shoved me a giant step closer to it as well. What am I waiting for? There’s an expiration date on that too.

    Thanks dude.

    bob

    1. That expiration date thing was something I knew a while back but it took this situation for me to own.

      Same thing with that Lucinda Williams quote.

      Let me know if I can help you with that dream of yours dude!

  39. Paul,
    May God shine down on you and Laura as you both go thru this. You both will be in my prayers each and every day. My sister also fought breast cancer and has been declared free of it for about a year. Please keep your chin up, you body pointed forward and kick some ass.

    I would also challenge everyone reading this post to become a bone marrow donor. It costs nothing, only takes a minute of your time and could possibly save someone. Go to http://www.marrow.org to register.

  40. Paul,
    May God shine down on you and Laura as you both go thru this. You both will be in my prayers each and every day. My sister also fought breast cancer and has been declared free of it for about a year. Please keep your chin up, you body pointed forward and kick some ass.

    I would also challenge everyone reading this post to become a bone marrow donor. It costs nothing, only takes a minute of your time and could possibly save someone. Go to http://www.marrow.org to register.

  41. Words from the heart that everyone should live by, Paul. Great post. How is your wife doing?

    Cliche, but we really do only have this moment and it is up to us to determine what we will make of it. I think your kids will come to appreciate even more how you’ve handled this crisis. You punched fear in the face with a different kind of whoopass – courage, self-awareness, and above all, love for your wife and family. I wonder what Yoda would say…

    1. Laura is doing great Kimberly. 2 more weeks of radiation and this deal is done!

      We were very fortunate!

      Thank you for asking and for the kind words of support!

    2. Laura is doing great Kimberly. 2 more weeks of radiation and this deal is done!

      We were very fortunate!

      Thank you for asking and for the kind words of support!

  42. You have no idea how I appreciate and enjoy your daily e-mails. I believe it is your down to earth and honest comments, observations and criticisms that I find so interesting and refreshing. Don’t change!

  43. Your Surrender … or Grow
    story is the essence of life, presented and shared – I received it through my soul as it was a thunderbolt impact, so poignant. It is inspiring.

  44. Your Surrender … or Grow
    story is the essence of life, presented and shared – I received it through my soul as it was a thunderbolt impact, so poignant. It is inspiring.

  45. Absolutely awesome Paul, and I have currently been going through some serious situations. I too, am learning, trusting, surrendering and growing. Mom is recovering today from surgery yesterday. My brother is also recovering from back surgery today. I am ok… and God is Great. We should all always remember family and relationships are so important and that the only time we really have is now and Love em like crazy. Thanks again for sharing and being really “REAL”.

  46. Absolutely awesome Paul, and I have currently been going through some serious situations. I too, am learning, trusting, surrendering and growing. Mom is recovering today from surgery yesterday. My brother is also recovering from back surgery today. I am ok… and God is Great. We should all always remember family and relationships are so important and that the only time we really have is now and Love em like crazy. Thanks again for sharing and being really “REAL”.

  47. Paul, Thanks for sharing your story. I find it so interesting finding out how people end up in this industry.

    Life is quite the journey and we never know why we had to experience such terrible things, until we look back years later. I know I’m totally grateful for some of the things I was asking why me at the time.

    Connie

  48. Paul, Thanks for sharing your story. I find it so interesting finding out how people end up in this industry.

    Life is quite the journey and we never know why we had to experience such terrible things, until we look back years later. I know I’m totally grateful for some of the things I was asking why me at the time.

    Connie

  49. Paul, I tell my wife that if a sermon on Sunday morning was particularly moving to me, I am not able to sing the closing hymn. I almost read your post without leaving a comment – it was very moving.

    Continued prayers for Laura’s health, the ongoing strength of your family and the growth of your new venture.

    Jeff

  50. Paul, I tell my wife that if a sermon on Sunday morning was particularly moving to me, I am not able to sing the closing hymn. I almost read your post without leaving a comment – it was very moving.

    Continued prayers for Laura’s health, the ongoing strength of your family and the growth of your new venture.

    Jeff

  51. Paul, what an excellent post! I get that gut feeling that Laura is doing well… I certainly hope and pray that that is the case. As I write this there are already 60 previous posts and I am confident that they all are offering their thanks and encouragement to you and Laura. I guess that makes me lucky number 61! It sounds like you both handled it with grace, dignity and love… Bravo!

  52. Paul, what an excellent post! I get that gut feeling that Laura is doing well… I certainly hope and pray that that is the case. As I write this there are already 60 previous posts and I am confident that they all are offering their thanks and encouragement to you and Laura. I guess that makes me lucky number 61! It sounds like you both handled it with grace, dignity and love… Bravo!

  53. I am super happy for you Paul!

    Happy for your wife’s recovery,
    Happy that it brought you guys closer,and,
    Happy that you quit your job and went for it!

    I wish you all the success in the world.

    May the force be with you 🙂

  54. Thanks for this post, Paul. I continue to keep you and Laura in my prayers and wish you both all the best! 🙂

    ~ Rebecca

  55. Thanks for this post, Paul. I continue to keep you and Laura in my prayers and wish you both all the best! 🙂

    ~ Rebecca

  56. This was a wonderful note Mike . . . thank you for that!

    Good for you planning something special at least once a week and its a funny thing with that expiration date . . . it arrives way too fast.

    Enjoy this time with your wife and family Mike!

  57. Thank you Julie and Laura has 2 more weeks of radiation and she will be fully recovered!

    You’ve already shared some love my friend and for that I very appreciative!

  58. Excellent news, Paul. I had no idea you’d dumped the corporate life. Good decision. Rots of Ruck.

  59. Paul,

    I worked for the American Cancer Society for a number of years and have seen the emotional highs and lows associated with this unseen disease. Close bonds are forged and friendships develop over time. Being there for someone is the best “course of action” one can offer someone else. People need to realize that shying away from someone because they have cancer is not going to accomplish anything. Offer a shoulder to cry on, cry together, hold hands, tell jokes, laugh but most importantly; never give up hope or stop loving that person. Great “job” Paul and God bless you and your wife.

  60. Paul,

    I worked for the American Cancer Society for a number of years and have seen the emotional highs and lows associated with this unseen disease. Close bonds are forged and friendships develop over time. Being there for someone is the best “course of action” one can offer someone else. People need to realize that shying away from someone because they have cancer is not going to accomplish anything. Offer a shoulder to cry on, cry together, hold hands, tell jokes, laugh but most importantly; never give up hope or stop loving that person. Great “job” Paul and God bless you and your wife.

  61. Hi Paul,
    I wish Laura and you enjoy together many many more years, and make us enjoy them too.
    If you have quit your job… isn’t it time to finish your book and let us the joy of buying it and the pleasure to read it ??
    Respetuosamente,
    Juan
    PS: There is no expiration date for anyone… as long as we remain at someone’s heart.

  62. Hi Paul,
    I wish Laura and you enjoy together many many more years, and make us enjoy them too.
    If you have quit your job… isn’t it time to finish your book and let us the joy of buying it and the pleasure to read it ??
    Respetuosamente,
    Juan
    PS: There is no expiration date for anyone… as long as we remain at someone’s heart.

  63. We take so much for granted. We take life for granted, our friends, our family and it is only when we have them threatened do we actually realise their value.

    However … you did the Tony Robbins thing, moved away from Pain and moved towards Pleasure. And here you are with a fulfilled life. I wish you, your partner a truly full life.

    We don’t live forever … but we do live

  64. We take so much for granted. We take life for granted, our friends, our family and it is only when we have them threatened do we actually realise their value.

    However … you did the Tony Robbins thing, moved away from Pain and moved towards Pleasure. And here you are with a fulfilled life. I wish you, your partner a truly full life.

    We don’t live forever … but we do live

  65. You are a real softy under all that, aren’t you? Thanks for sharing your personal story, my friend. I have been praying for you through all of this 🙂

    1. Don’t tell anyone I’m a softy Susan. I’m trying hard to brand myself as a rock star jedi like SOB 🙂

      Thanks for the note girlfriend!

  66. You are a real softy under all that, aren’t you? Thanks for sharing your personal story, my friend. I have been praying for you through all of this 🙂

    1. Don’t tell anyone I’m a softy Susan. I’m trying hard to brand myself as a rock star jedi like SOB 🙂

      Thanks for the note girlfriend!

  67. One of the cool things you’ve created among your rock stars is a feeling of family.

    When you mentioned what Laura (and you) were going through in December, several things happened.

    – People became emotionally involved. The comments reflected that you had hundreds, perhaps thousand of people who genuinely cared. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that it bummed me out to hear the news.

    – If prayers were transformed into light beams, you immediately had a freakin’ beacon from coast to coast.

    – Sharing what you did, when you did, had the effect of causing all of us to take note of our blessings and to value the (fleeting) time we have together.

    – You demonstrated character and transparency. There’s not enough of that any more.

    Thank you for sharing your life with us, Paul. You and Laura remain in our thoughts and prayers.

    1. Thank you John and quite frankly, I really needed my sales playbook community to get through a rather rough time.

      You all were there and I’m very appreciative of that!

      This was a wonderful note my friend!

  68. One of the cool things you’ve created among your rock stars is a feeling of family.

    When you mentioned what Laura (and you) were going through in December, several things happened.

    – People became emotionally involved. The comments reflected that you had hundreds, perhaps thousand of people who genuinely cared. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that it bummed me out to hear the news.

    – If prayers were transformed into light beams, you immediately had a freakin’ beacon from coast to coast.

    – Sharing what you did, when you did, had the effect of causing all of us to take note of our blessings and to value the (fleeting) time we have together.

    – You demonstrated character and transparency. There’s not enough of that any more.

    Thank you for sharing your life with us, Paul. You and Laura remain in our thoughts and prayers.

    1. Thank you John and quite frankly, I really needed my sales playbook community to get through a rather rough time.

      You all were there and I’m very appreciative of that!

      This was a wonderful note my friend!

  69. Uncle Paul,
    Thanks for putting it all out there, you are an inspiration. God Bless you and your lovely wife. I wish you well with your endeavor of which I am sure will be a great success.

  70. Uncle Paul,
    Thanks for putting it all out there, you are an inspiration. God Bless you and your lovely wife. I wish you well with your endeavor of which I am sure will be a great success.

  71. Paul…I think everyone knew who you were talking about when you shared your news back in December. I am glad to hear that she is doing well and you are pursuing your DREAMS!

    Sometimes it takes a little adversity to make us see things differently or in my case turning my world upside down to get my attention. God is always sending us messages, we just need to pay attention!

    Kim

    “You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” ~Walt Disney

  72. Paul…I think everyone knew who you were talking about when you shared your news back in December. I am glad to hear that she is doing well and you are pursuing your DREAMS!

    Sometimes it takes a little adversity to make us see things differently or in my case turning my world upside down to get my attention. God is always sending us messages, we just need to pay attention!

    Kim

    “You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” ~Walt Disney

  75. Paul, You just made a complete stranger completely proud of you, your insights, forthrightness, humanity and your openess to face the challenge not curled up in the fetal position with your thumb in your mouth… but as a hero..even with the tears on your cape. Nuff Respect!

  76. Paul, You just made a complete stranger completely proud of you, your insights, forthrightness, humanity and your openess to face the challenge not curled up in the fetal position with your thumb in your mouth… but as a hero..even with the tears on your cape. Nuff Respect!

  77. Great post Paul! Every time I hear someone’s story such as this, it always reminds me to take time and smell the roses.
    You and especially Laura are still in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like she is doing much better.
    Peace to your family!

  78. Great post Paul! Every time I hear someone’s story such as this, it always reminds me to take time and smell the roses.
    You and especially Laura are still in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like she is doing much better.
    Peace to your family!

  79. Great post, Paul. I am still hopeful to see you occasionally pose topless for your bio pictures though.

  80. Great post, Paul. I am still hopeful to see you occasionally pose topless for your bio pictures though.

  83. Pingback: Miracles | Conrey is for Closers

  84. Thanks for sharing this great story Paul! Two people very close to me have beat this same form of that awful disease, and I had many “look in the mirror moments” as well. These situations really put things in to perspective, and I stopped putting off some things I should have done long ago too. Thanks for the inspiration. Keep Rockin!

    1. I’m glad to hear they beat the disease Tim . . . wonderful news!

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts . . . I always appreciate it my friend!

    2. I’m glad to hear they beat the disease Tim . . . wonderful news!

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts . . . I always appreciate it my friend!

  86. You continue to amaze and lighten our journey too! (Daily)
    Rock onward and upward!

    Prayfully and admiringly,

    Tim Hile

     

  87. It does test your metal and forces us to take a look at the things in life that are meaningful.Great post Paul

  88. Pingback: Lotteries, Dreams and The Inevitable Dirt Nap — Paul Castain's Sales Playbook

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