Story 4 is special in that it even upset my mom. It takes place over 6 years ago right after my drivers license was suspended for drinking and driving. One consequence of my drinking and driving was losing my company truck.

Having a company truck in construction is a sort of status symbol and I had been stripped of it. I supported multiple projects scattered around the San Antonio area and not being able to drive myself to the projects presented me with a choice. I could quit my job and avoid facing judgement or I could figure it out and deal with the ridicule. 

Mom wasnt upset about me breaking the law, she was upset about the pranks my team played on me. I was pleasantly surprised by moms reaction cuz it was one of care and protection. I intended to share the names of the pranksters but in order to protect them from mom, they will remain anonymous😉

I expected the pranks, I expected the judging stares, I expected the early morning & late evening bus rides. I was surprised by the positive impacts my struggle would have. This seems to be a truth, our struggles can serve as launching pads for others. Provided we share our struggles, provided they can witness our every step through the struggle. Those golden moments where surrendering to our lesser selves makes the most sense and we choose the alternative. "They" are watching our behaviors during struggle demonstrate our true values. The affect this had on my team was greater than I expected. I was blind to it until they told me about how my behaviors during that time inspired them.

The lesson around inspiring others through sharing my struggles is what gives me confidence in writing Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be even though the practical thing to do is keep the dirty details to myself. And even now years and years after the stories took place they are still impacting people in meaningful ways. Well except for mom, clearly Story 4 has evoked a vein of violence🤪 within her. But for Buddy Brumley, Co-Author of The Old Dawg Lean Thesaurus , motived him to leave this heartfelt review

Buddy was one of the folks who read the first draft of the book and since then he's gifted me with a steady pressure about getting the book out so others could read it. And Im filled with butterflies of excitement to celebrate my 7th year of sobriety with Buddy at the Book Launch on Friday June 23rd.

If you have read the book I would love you a mazillion times if you would find a way to let me know how it made you feel.

Be cool and we'll talk at you next time😎