Keith JonesJune 15, 2016

Yesterday an old friend sent me a message that he had just completed a personal development seminar that had a huge impact on him. He knew I took the seminar almost ten years ago. And for a few years he was an active member of our community, delivering awesome spin classes for everyone. His message read, “Hi Keith. It’s Tommy.  I completed my Landmark Forum this weekend and thought about you a lot. I just want to say ‘I totally get you.’ Thank you for the big life you create.” Tommy is a great fun, loving guy, but I must admit his message came as a bit of a surprise. When I went through a challenging period last year, half my friends walked with me hand and hand through it which I will be forever grateful for. Other friends disconnected and our shared journeys ended there. While I am thankful for the many contributions they made to my life, I accepted their choice to move on and wish them all the best. Tommy was in the latter group.

The message from Tommy touched me in a few ways. First, I was humbled that he thanked me. My purpose in life is to serve and help people be their best. So I receive his words of gratitude with deep respect and humility. Second, I’ve crossed paths with some friends who disconnected over a year ago and Tommy was one of the few who acknowledged the difference I try to make in the word. It’s not about noticing me. He tipped his hat to the noble purpose of the life I want to create for myself and others. It’s not about me at all. And lastly and most important, I interpret his message to mean, by taking the personal development seminar, he’s choosing a life of acceptance over judgment, forgiveness over gossip and blame, and love and support over living in the past.

I’ve made mistakes. There’s no arguing that. But I remain thankful for three things. The first is my choice to live a big life that serves to help others create one too. The second is my commitment to a life purpose so big that nothing can stop it; not even personal failures or what people might say along the way. And finally, my friends who love me unconditionally and support my journey to make a difference.

Tommy, if you read this, thank you for your message. It means a lot. Whenever I have a breakthrough that helps me see things clearer about someone, I do what Tommy did. I reach out to them. Sometimes this has included an apology for something I said or I did that didn’t reflect the words or actions of a loving and loyal friend. Other times, it’s an acknowledgment of how amazing the person is and what they contributed to my life. I encourage you to contact someone you know to share something positive they’ve done for you or are doing for others. This exercise is for you both. It’s an act of love that shares your humanity and goodness with them. Let go of the past and anything that gets in the way of your life purpose. Live a big life!

Stronger Mindset!

Keith