Strength in Setbacks: Lessons for Fathers

Hi Fam,

Greetings to our new subscribers! Thank you for becoming part of our family. I'm here to share my journey as it unfolds and shed light for those navigating through tough times, especially fellow fathers consistently showing up for their families.

This week was challenging. As many of you know, I've been involved in a project within the pickleball space for the past couple of years. Unfortunately, the founding members couldn't align on a vision, leading to the operation not moving forward. While it's disappointing, it's a reminder that what we build can vanish in an instant.

Reflecting on this, I found solace in Mother Teresa's timeless words:

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

There are several lessons from this experience, particularly applicable to fatherhood:

We must develop a short-term memory. Though painful, setbacks should be put in the rear-view mirror, enabling us to be our best selves for our children.

Teaching resilience to our children is vital. Demonstrating how we cope with setbacks teaches them valuable life lessons.

Self-reflection is crucial. Evaluating experiences, learning from mistakes, and using them for growth are essential skills we must impart to our children.

In closing, I’ll share a recent post I made this past week…

We all have a story.

We all have a past.

I’m ruthlessly committed to pointing humans toward their North Star, even if their path is different, a little out there, or had a few unexpected turns along the way.

I find peace in knowing if we take one step, God will take two for us.

Don’t stop, never cease.

I’m rooting for you.

Always moving forward,

Bryant