Richard’s Thoughts…
In thinking about Gary’s lesson, I am taken back two weeks to when President George W. Bush dedicated his library. There was a lot of news coverage, and not all of it good. Many writers and reporters took the time to remind the public why they despised the man, five years since he left office.

But then there were others that surprised me. One was Donna Brazile’s column for CNN: Bush came through on Katrina. She writes how the President made her a promise and came through in more ways than one. That is character.

What will others say about you? Whether you are the president or who you are today, your actions matter, but the history is up to others. Make what others say a virtual guarantee.

Recently, I have been mulling over some pretty heavy life decisions. They are rarely fun, but provide an opportunity to examine the next steps in my life; where I want to go, where I want to end up, and what kinds of experiences do I want to have along the way?

Perhaps it is the 30-year life crisis (I’m only half joking), or perhaps it is this city that makes me itch for more, but I’m developing the plan as I write this newsletter.

I can’t show my cards just yet, but something is coming. I’ve been speaking to a lot of friends and advisers and I have decided that it is time for me to go all-in and figure out which avenue I want in my life.

The first piece of that puzzle is all about fear. Prior to moving the New York City, I was giving a lot of speeches and presenting a lot of workshops. But when I moved, I stopped developing that business and the calls stopped coming in. That ends now.

Sure, I’m afraid that the phone won’t ring again, but I know I have something to say. So, I’m diving in. Head first.

But before I, or anyone, can embrace life and go after tough goals, we must be completely open. We have to look fear in the face.

What am I afraid of?

FAILING
Yeah, this one is no fun. But sometimes “failing” leads to something new and unexpected. Just think about scientists who are looking for a solution to problem “x” and stumble upon something even better.

The perfect example of this scenario is the discovery of penicillin by scientist Alexander Fleming in 1928; by accident. His discovery changed the course of medicine around the globe. And he “failed” in his original mission.

FALLING SHORT
I love watching the Olympics. There is great competition and great stories to get lost in for 16 days. Last year in London, one of my favorite athletes, Matthew Mitcham was in London to defend his 10M diving gold medal.

Prior to the Games, he battled drugs and injuries, but he made there. Sadly, Mitcham did not make it to the finals, and he fell short. But after the Games, he shared his story and described the feeling of not defending his gold, vowing to return. Losing rekindled his passion.

These are the reasons I am diving in. I’m either going to make it or not. But it’s a journey worth taking.

“Time flies like an arrow, fruit like like a banana.” -G. Marx

I have always loved that quote, because not only is it funny, but it is true. Time just seems to slice through the air and we don’t even notice until one day, the arrow blasts through our consciousness and says, “You gotta get moving!”

So, I’m starting to move.

Join me.

Richard’s Thoughts…
Last week was an anniversary of sorts for me. You see, last year on May 2, I was fired from a job. If you have ever been let go in a quick blaze of fire, a sudden meeting, and completely shocked, you know what that feeling is like. For those of you who don’t, it is not fun.

When I walked home that day, I was shocked, stunned, and saddened. The day itself was a day I had been looking forward to for weeks. I had tickets to see a Broadway show that evening. Of course I still went, but not after some tears and fear. And I also called my dad. He reminded me of his own professional struggles and how we as a family got through them 15 years prior.

He reminded me to have faith in myself and when you’re at a terribly low moment, that is a priceless piece of advice. Remember something: No matter how tough it is right now, keep your strength and keep the faith in yourself alive and well. You will make it through.

That is likely the reason I never really felt at home in any place that I have lived since college. But Steve Adams Interior Design has completely changed that.

It is amazing how my home has changed because of his work.

Sure, I have a couch, a chair, a bedroom set, and matching towels, but it’s about the feeling the home gives me. I can relax. I can shut off. I can entertain. And I can feel good. I always thought it was funny when someone would say how much they loved a frame or a shelf … now I can understand a little bit. These handmade shelves in my living room make me smile every time I see them.

For the first time in my life, I feel at home; in my home.

Where do you feel most at home?

Richard’s Thoughts…
Life is full of stumbles and falls, real and imagined. Even in my life as a speaker and athlete, I am not immune. I’ve been in front of audiences before and get so lost in my own words and I end up stumbling through a section of a presentation. It happens.

But I keep getting back in front of audiences. Similarly, I keep slipping on my running shoes and picking up my tennis racquet. Life is all about having a passion for something and going after it without regard for the end results.

That is why I love working with people as they chase after their dreams. The possibilities are endless and the key to getting started is getting started. You have to get up off the dirt (or wherever you are), and get going. Let’s do it, together.

Richard’s Thoughts…
After the past ten days, there aren’t many lessons that are worth sharing, so I wanted to keep it simple this week.

Kendra’s lesson, and mine is simple: love those around you. Always.

No matter how many times our country and our world goes through a terrible act — terrorism or natural disaster — it always takes time for the pain to set in. And at each of those events, the days always begin with the same sentence: The day began just like any other.

Monday, April 15, 2013, is no exception. The weather was perfect in Boston for Patriot’s Day and the historic Boston Marathon. I checked Facebook in the morning and saw that I knew two people running. And now, as a marathoner myself, I did my best to keep up with the race.

Then all of a sudden, the skies darkened and evil had a face. Two of them.

We all know the story. Moments after the blast, first responders, viewers, and fellow runners tended to the wounded. It was, in a word, a war zone. Any other adjective does not do the aftermath justice.

Three dead. Nearly 200 wounded. A nation shaken … again.

Living in New York City, security was tightened. Events in Boston were postponed or cancelled.

We again lost our innocence. And then on Wednesday, there was the massive explosion in Texas. And this on a week where we already had the 20-year anniversary of the Waco Compound event, the 18-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, the anniversary of Columbine, and the anniversary of the BP Oil Spill. So, perhaps we haven’t had our innocence anymore.

Most of the deaths in Texas? First responders.

For me, it seemed that nothing would be getting better. And then came Friday. We had suspects. One was dead. One was on the run. And the city of Boston was locked down. I hated watching it. And then came 6 p.m. and the lock down was lifted without an arrest. I came home and cried.

Finally, news came they had someone. And when it was confirmed by the Boston Police, I breathed a sigh of relief I didn’t know I needed.

CAPTURED!!! The hunt is over. The search is done. The terror is over. And justice has won. Suspect in custody.

— Boston Police Dept. (@Boston_Police) April 20, 2013

Someday soon I will tie my sneakers and go for a run in honor of the victims. I came home early Saturday morning and cried again.

We live in a world full of hate. But we live in a world full of love. And if I have seen anything this week, it has been a true passion for peace, for justice and a selfless sacrifice for our fellow humans. And I believe that is what Boston, Texas, and America can continue to be.

I went back and found something I wrote in 2009 about terrorism, hate, and hope. I thought it appropriate to share it again:

Knowledge is Power

Richard’s Thoughts…
I hate being at dinner or coffee with a friend and they can’t seem to put there phone down. There are times when I am moments away from either screaming or just walking out completely.

It amazes me how many people, parents or otherwise, push strollers down the street while talking on their cell phones. Here is a promise to my future child: I will not do that. While I don’t yet have a child, I want to be present and in the moment and not on my phone. I want to be and feel human.

My friend Teal gave one of the speeches at my high school graduation and the title was,
“The Precious Present.” And that is how we need to live. In the moment.
With the ones we love. And with the ones that love us.
This week, focus on putting down your phones, tablets, and laptops and be present.