The year 2020 has thrown a lot on our plates.
COVID-19. Social and political unrest. Economic uncertainty. Some of us are also dealing with health issues or the loss of loved ones, which may or may not be related to those issues. Through it all, we must constantly remember: It’s not necessarily what happens to us, it’s how we respond to it.
Think hard about what’s going on, and you’ll find many scenarios literally out of our control. But what’s always in our control is how we approach life. So ask yourself this: Am I about life enhancement or am I just waiting for the next shoe to drop?
One of the best things that can come out of experiencing loss or going through some traumatic or terrible situation is realizing that we should focus our energy on making life better while we have it. Not just our own lives but the lives of those around us: our kids, our spouse or partner, our neighbors and friends, our extended family, and our communities. Our lives here are legitimately too short to focus on things that don’t revolve around improvement or enhancement. If what I do is not about that in some capacity, I truly believe that I’m wasting my time — precious time.
Think about what is important to you. In my life, for example, relationships are. My health and wellness is important to me but also to those all who rely on me. The environment my wife and I create in our home and lives is critical for us and for our children’s present and future. Now ask yourself: How am I enhancing those aspects of life? How am I building up the strengths and improving on them? When you do that, you begin to realize that everything that you do on a daily basis needs to be focused on life enhancement and being intentional or purposeful about it.
So fellas, I’m challenging you today. Take the BS and throw it to the side and commit yourself to being about the business of “Life Enhancement.” COVID-19 and all the other day-to-day challenges facing us and our society are further reminders why this should be a focus of yours. We have only a finite number of years here and because of that, we don’t need to waste it. If you have an opportunity to enhance some aspect of your life, to educate yourself, to show somebody some love, to do something nice for somebody — DO IT! When you focus on enhancing life — whether it’s yours or someone else’s — there’s a benefit that comes to all. Be the change you desire to see in the world, as a dad and as a human, and be about the business of “Life Enhancement.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Dorsey, known as “Mike D” by many, is an author, business entrepreneur, community organizer, speaker and podcaster. He created and hosts the Black Fathers, NOW! podcast and founded the apparel company Black Family Apparel, which celebrates positive imagery of the black family through messaged clothing. He has author two books: Dynamic Black Fatherhood Manifesto and ABE: Always Be Engaged — The 7 Keys to Living a Fit Urban Life. He can be reached via Instagram, Facebook or email.
Life enhancement photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash
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