Fatherhood
True story: Baby Didds (18 months old now), her mother, and I were sitting on the couch. I was holding the Kidokeydoke as her mother fed her. All of a sudden Ella climbed out of my lap, up past my shoulder, onto the back of the couch. As I turned to see what she was doing, she mule-kicked me twice in my face, once in my nose, and another time in my jaw. Without saying a word, I picked up my daughter by her feet and held her upside down in front of my face and said very evenly in my upside-down kids face “we do not kick.” I then took our daughter to her nursery with her frantic mother trailing behind me. I put Ella in her crib and very flatly told her mother that Ella was not to be removed from the crib for 1 minute. I sealed my statement with a look that said, “if you touch her, you’ll be in the crib with her.” Ella cried and her mother pouted. We were never more than a foot and a half from her, but we did not touch her, and every time she stretched out her arms, I looked her in the eyes and told her that we do not hit, and we do not kick. A min later, I picked Ella up, told her I loved her, kissed her and held her. She stopped crying and would not let me go. I would have understood if she had preferred to be held by her mother at that point, but I was glad when she resisted any effort to remove her from my shoulder. I do not claim to be a good father. What I aspire to be is thought-out, not
reactionary, loving, nurturing, and stern. I have a lot to learn, but I am committed to the journey
Spirituality
I’m a Christian. I don’t proselytize, I don’t judge other people’s lifestyles and I respect other people’s religion, spirituality, or lack there of. I do however hold myself to a simple standard. If you did not tell anyone, would people be able to tell that you are a man of God by your actions? For too many reasons, the answer to that question of late would be NO. I have been so committed to my newer interests, that I have let my spiritual obligations fall short. Today in church, a parishioner and friend greeted me and told me that she had seen me a few weeks ago walking with my daughter up 16th street. I told her that carrying her on my daily walk was the best way to get my cardio in. While true, the response was intended in jest but after I said it, a light bulb went off: my platforms need not take away from each other. In fact, when built evenly, they are all stronger. My walk as a Christian will be lifelong, but just like working on my core, it will impact everything else I do for the better
Health and Fitness
I do not need to reiterate my commitment to health and fitness here. However, it is something I intend to make a way of life. If for no other reason, my efforts have a good chance at lengthening the time I have to hone the other three objectives.
Professional Development
My work is the engine that drives my life. Clearly it’s not what makes me a father, Christian or healthy but it greatly impacts the quality of my commitment to each. Therefore, its imperative that I build a professional foundation which is sure, and grounded in work that is high-quality and representative of my best efforts.
I have a long way to go. Ironically, as hard as I have worked these last few months, I think my health and fitness platform may be the easiest of the four to establish. I do not expect my road to be easy, but I am up for it. More than anything, I am glad I have Jerks like Kob in my corner to keep me honest.
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Update:
Weight Check – 215
Meatless Monday – I didn’t prep anything. I’ll be free styling it.
New Additions – Yoga class. Greek Yogurt w/ granola and fresh berries.
Good to know you’re striving for a balanced and healthy life in all areas. Especially appreciate the summary update at the conclusion if the post.
LYM
Another Good one. I love that saying “Let today be the day…”. I went walking today – just prior to reading that. I am going to refer to it should I find excuses not to do some form of daily exercise.
Great Post! And Yes Papa Kob is a Jerk. I mean that. LOL, but seriously, he’s a jerk.