It goes without saying that my parents are awesome.  Really, even if they weren’t my parents — I’d still like them as people.  In particular, they are on my mind because Ken and I are headed to Vermont at the end of the week.  It is strange to discuss Father’s Day without pointing out that we are headed home to celebrate my Grandfather’s life at his memorial service.  My heart warms up just at the thought of him. 

However, today is a day for fathers and mine is the cream of the crop.  So here it is, in no particular order, three great things I have learned from my father (it is a challenge to boil all his love and wisdom down to just three pieces, but I’ll try!):

1. Go big, or go home.  It’s a mantra Ken and I tease about now, since we start out having a small idea that very quickly escalates into a giant project — see Halloween Ghoul.  One of the best things about my dad is that whenever I have an idea — he is always open and excited.  Very rarely (if ever) has he said — that’s impossible, or maybe I shouldn’t try to do so much, or that dream is too big.  Quite the contrary, so many of his ideas about running a successful business (60 years and counting) and as a community leader resonate from a true authentic place of enthusiasm and passion.  He’s not afraid of a challenge, and his support makes me feel bold.
2. Mind Over Matter.  I never really got this part of my dad’s philosophy as a kid.  Something bad would happen at school or at work and my dad would always ask, what is good about this?  Sometimes I want to scream, “Dad don’t you get it — this is a mess!  Everything is terrible!” But with loving perseverence he kept saying — what can we learn here? How can we change our own mindset?  Jump forward, about 15 years and I’m studying Buddhism and Eastern Religion.  One of the primary pillars of eastern thought is — the only thing you can change is your own mind.  Second, whatever you expect to happen in a situation, will! So always work to be open, gracious, and optimisitic — and good things will come.  My dad works to find the best in any situation.  It’s a gift he has, and has shared with my sister and I.
3. It should be fun.  At first, this may sound silly — some might even say wasteful.  What good is fun?  Well, besides just the obvious answer, that life is a journey and it might as well be fun!!! Over and over in management books and productivity blogs one primary lesson (see A Whole New Mind or Meeting on the Right Side of the Brain) is that joy makes you work harder, remained focused, and achieve more than any threat or fear could do.  My father studied recreation in college and his need to laugh and play is one of the best things about him.  Don’t believe me? You can’t help but be joyful in his presence sometimes, and his playful disposition makes everyone around him feel brave and happy — what better leadership is there than that?

On this day of celebrating dads, I could go on and on, about all the gifts he’s taught me.  This is a good start! Happy Father’s Day to my Dad! I’ve learned so much from you.  I love you!