Emotionally and physically weary after a very limited night sleep. I was awaken by the birds singing, as my eyes struggles to open my mind recalled a promise to my son – “that we would go to the beach for a morning swim.”

Have you ever had to choose between what you wanted to do vs what you promised to do?

Truth be told both of us have. Lie and say you have not – your decision not mine.

Upon arriving at the waters edge, we seemed to dance in and out of the morning waters as we were chilled by the wind and the crisp morning waters.

I for one am tired of the facade, weary of pretentious living, and daily hope to live a full and genuine life.

The dancing came to an end and I plunged into the crisp waters of the pacific – emerging to a smile and joyous laughter from my son – applauding me as if I defied death itself and embraced the opportunity to join me.

As adults we keep our word to employers, boards, committees, and why not to those we should cherish far more?

As we are only four days into this new year I am overwhelmed with appreciation, respect, loyalty, and love for those I call family. Yet, it’s those very individuals that I harm.

The least I can do is keep my word to them as the highest priority. I pledged my heart to my wife, “for better, for worse, in sickness, in health, in prosperity, in poverty, until death do us part.” I now see these words were pledged to not only her but echo to our children and their children.

Here’s to doing my best to keep my word and forgetting the rest!

Action step: Leave a comment. Thoughts?  I’d be honored to hear and have you share thoughts.  How? Simply leave or submit a comment below and personally commit take one step forward from where you are at today.