Happy Veterans Day!
Happy Veterans Day to our nation's veterans!
Looking back. As I think back about my time in the armed forces, I remember some of the challenges and, of course, the experiences we go through that are unique to the armed forces.
Memories and friendship. But mostly, I think about and remember the incredible friendships and camaraderie we had. The opportunity to serve in the Navy was life-changing for me personally, as I know it is for so many who answer the call to service in the military. I learned so much during my military service -- nearly 23 years between 1988 and 2011. It was seldom easy, but it was always worthwhile. I miss my friends terribly but take comfort that I have so many people that would answer my call and bail me out of jail, no questions asked. My point is these are true friends that can be counted on no matter what. That is an incredible gift that I truly appreciate.
Looking forward. As I think about the future, I remain excited. I've been working on a book this past year. Trying to see the positive in almost any situation helped me make it through. It was a choice, one that involved intentionally being optimistic and focusing on the positive. Those things have made an incredibly positive impact on my life. Earlier this year, I set an incredibly big goal, one that I wasn't entirely confident I could accomplish. I decided that I would write and publish my first book before year's end. In a year where there has been so much unprecedented uncertainty, anxiety, and turbulence, I decided to do what I do best and act differently. I have worked evenings, weekends, and holidays (including this Veterans Day) to finalize things and get this project ready to present to the world.
I'm incredibly proud of the work itself. It is not perfect, but that's perfectly OK with me. The ideas in the book have helped me. I hope they will help others too. If it can help at least one other person, then the effort was worthwhile.
The book is called Awaken Optimism: 366 Meditations for Making Each Day Amazing. It's been a labor of love, and I remain incredibly optimistic about the future. I suppose that's proof the ideas contained in the book really works!
To all those who have served in our armed forces (past, present, and future), please have a Happy Veterans Day. I know what it means to serve, and I'm incredibly grateful to each of you for answering the call. Thank you!
Cheers,
Greg