Most of you are aware that I am preparing for an Ironman Triathlon. I intended to run my usual 15 miles and still be home in time to make the plane. The problem with this strategy was that by doing so, I would not be home when my children left for school and I would miss seeing them that morning. As I went out the door at about 4:30, I started to think about how I was going to miss them. I thought, "Hey, I am working on a super goal and naturally there will have to be some sacrifices in order to accomplish this goal." I ran a little ways and continued to think about how important it is to my children that I am there when they leave in the morning. I thought to myself, "One of the reasons that I am running is so that I can be in good shape so that I can be around for my children and be active when they grow up. I am doing it for them, they will benefit from this too." I Am Doing It For Them I ran a little further and decided that the my Ironman training could wait. I turned at the very next corner and headed home. I only ran about three miles, but I made it home and was able to be there with my children as they prepared for their day. I was there for them and I knew I made the right choice. They knew I had abandoned my run for them. Not because I made a big deal about it, but because I was here. On the run I was worried about a potential message that I might send to my children. The message is, "To run, is more important to me today than it is to be at home with you." I am thankful that I gave them the opposite message. Our work lives are full of opportunities to make choices. Tomorrow morning I will be in Sacramento and I will not be able to be at home. Today I am here and I had the choice of being here for them. Too many times we make choices that take us away from our families. Sometimes we do it out of necessity, but other times we do it because we think we have to do it. We even use the same excuse that I tried to use today, "I am doing it for them." Be There Trust me, they will value you being there much more than the imperceptible value that they would receive by you working that extra hour or two. My choice was made crystal clear this morning when I asked myself the following question. "What would you rather have done this morning if today was your last morning to be at home?" That question made the turn home very easy. We never know when it will be our last. Even without disaster, the last morning eventually comes because they grow up and leave. I'm here. Are you there? Live Today! Love Today! 760-559-3548 A couple of weeks ago, I was traveling to Sacramento California to work with a client. In order to get a good run in before I left, I had to get up at 4:00 AM.
