Whether I’m in the car, on the elliptical, or going for a long walk with my beloved dog, Ruby, I love listening to books on audible. I enjoy hearing others stories and experiences, or being entertained by a John Grisham book. Being blessed with ADD, audible is a great way to listen to books without having to sit down for an hour here or there, to be curled up with that great book.
I recently listened to Life’s Too Short by Darius Rucker. Rucker is the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as a very successful solo artist.
I’ve always loved his music and he’s got an incredible voice. The book was great, it chronicles his story from Charleston, South Carolina, to college at University of South Carolina, and the birth of Hootie and the Blowfish. He describes the ups, the downs, all of the struggles, the failures, and the flops.
Uniquely, he named each chapter after a song that had a deep impact on his life. Whether it was a song that reminded him of his mother, his brother who was killed in an accident, or just a song that deeply impacted him. It was his way of showing the artist that he wanted to be. I want that. He would hear a song or a band, and I want that. I want to be like that. I want to be an artist like that. These songs helped shape his life and changed his course.
The other thing I like about audible is the ability to pause a story, and then reflect on the book itself. How are there similarities and differences in my life? How can I relate to the story I am listening to?
I’ve said that in my life so many times. I want that. I admire that person. I love that restaurant or I love that couple. There have been so many experiences in my life when I experienced something or saw something that had a deep impact on me. Maybe it was a teacher who made me feel a certain way, where I said I want to be able to do that for others. Maybe it was one of my coaches who would blow the whistle and command respect on the court and in the school. The way he walked down the hallway, high-fiving kids and listening to kids. I want that.
Maybe it was one of the great referees. I got to work with over the course of my 20 year college officiating career. The things they did, the way they spoke with people and the way they carried themselves on the court. I want that.
Or maybe that husband and father at a family party admiring his family. The way they showed love and care for each other smiles and hugs, etc. I want that. So growing up, over the course of my life, I said that in my mind and in my heart, I want that.
Now as an adult, it’s been nice to reach a lot of those goals and more. To look back on your journey where you’ve said I want that, and you’ve actually gotten it, is a nice satisfaction.
I want to share things with someone else to have a positive impact on them. Whether it’s a bit of advice or a skill or a tool, they can use their journey. I want that. I want to share powerful mindsets or statements that can help you on your journey, as well as help others!
Keep rolling friends, keep surviving and thriving. If I could help you get that thing that you want in your life, don’t hesitate to reach out!
