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Are definitely about character for me. I love all compliments and they really don’t ever go unappreciated, but when the real work is noticed! that’s the best. The other day I was paid an incredible compliment by someone I hugely respect. The greatest part is that the reason I admire him is because his character is the most wonderful I have known. So, for him to say kind things about my character was a real gift to me.
Of course I love that people love what I do and how they feel when I do what I do but I always think that we rarely get to see the truest versions of public figures. I always strive to be good at what I do. I completely respect anyone who is good at what they do. I really don’t care if you’re a currier or a business tycoon, if you’re good you got my love.
Man, great parenting! Whoo! That is hard to do. I’ve seen it. I’d love to say I’m in the group but I know better. Can’t be gone 80% of the time and expect to be considered great at something that powerful. I digress. Sorry. My point, simply, is that great character is what I long for beyond all other things. Its what I find more attractive, more beautiful and more difficult than all other worldly achievements. It ain’t if you got dough..it’s how’d ya get it and what do ya do with it. It’s not how many kids you have, it’s do they choose to be friends with you when they’re old enough to choose. It’s not anything really but how you play the game.
No one wants to win more than I do. In fact I had to stop playing chess because my days were being devoured by online 5 minute blitz games. Crazy. So, yea I really like winning. I like to have moments of acceptance. I love rewards. I’m very young in much of the thinking behind winning. I admit it does lack wisdom at times but it’s where I’m at. On the other hand, there is no joy in winning simply to watch someone lose or to behave like winning is everything. Nothing worse than a sore loser…except a poor winner. I want to win but I want all of us to win. Once we win, be grateful and look around. Congratulate yourself. Congratulate your team, your friends, your everyone. And also remember what it feels like to lose. The humility, the embarrassment, the let down, the loss of self worth. Imagine what you would like to be treated like by the “winner” and be THAT when you win. Be good at it. Be a good winner. It’s so beautiful.
I’m speaking to myself here, by the way. I need to constantly remind myself of the beauty in including everyone. Nobody is left out. We all win, even if you lose. Priceless wisdom comes from both experiences.
So, I hope my kids choose me as a friend. I hope that more people I admire find quality in me and what I am. I hope that we all celebrate the wins and losses with dignity and love. I hope that Japan heals. I hope that the world heals and that we learn that in the end the world WILL win. Let’s help her win and win right along with her in appreciating all that she has offered us. I hope that I learn to be more comfortable in my own skin when it comes to embracing others and looking at their flaws or weaknesses as something beautiful that I can learn from. I hope that everyone. In Latin America had a great time with us the past few weeks and I hope that you are all healthy and fully ready to take on spring then summer and tons of great life moments. I hope that you can feel the love I’m sending as you read this and I hope to see you all soon.
Love, Pat