What You Say Matters!

2023, Don't mind that beard! Dad and one of his many selfies after we completed another job together (railing)

This is not about sticks and stones, or anything like that, but it is about the influence you have on others and the things that stick. As we reflect on this past Sunday (Father's Day), what are those things that your Father has told you that you remember? Those things that stick with you.

Unfortunately, for some, this is not always a good thing, as they may never hear "I love you" or "I'm proud of you." However, I'm hopeful that, even if you didn't hear those things or have a good relationship with your father, you will rectify that and become the father always wanted.

I'm thankful and proud to say that I have a father who said all those things to me, as a matter of fact, he is truly a great dad! No, he is not a best friend, he is and always was, exactly that, a Dad, a Father, a mentor to me, and a leader. I told many people in my career that I didn't need a mentor because I had my Dad. He often joked with me that he was much better at advising on taking it for himself.

The reason I say he was not a best friend is because he also gave me the tough love I needed, reprimanding me when I needed it, and providing the necessary correction. Best friends do not do that, but dads do. At the same time, he was always there to pick me up when I was down and promote me even higher when I needed. He is always cheering me on with the things I do.

Am I blessed? You bet! What my Dad said mattered to me! I shared back with my team this morning how he just celebrated his 75th birthday, even walking the golf course, carrying his bag of clubs. Some things he told me that stuck with me. When things are hard, that is what you do; that is when you know you are progressing (I hated the elliptical when I first got on it because it was hard, he encouraged me to do it more, and I did). He taught me to take care of the small things, like painting behind the fridge. I still hate it to this day when I can see someone didn't paint behind the fridge, and it bothers me that I cannot fully paint behind the toilets. Early in my career, he told me to contribute 6% to retirement (company match) and I did that from the age of 22, not knowing why, but I'm thankful I did that early now that I look back.

My son told me recently that he listened to me more than I realized, and I smiled because that means I'm having the same effect on my kids that my Dad had on me. See the things we say matter, not just to our kids, but to our families, to our co-workers, and to people you do not even know, so make sure you say the right things, they don't always have to be positive, they just have to be right. You may not think they are listening, but they are! They always are!

PS - Dad, I love you! And yes, I know you are crying as you read this, as am I! (I'm a softy just like you) Thank you!