by Byron on July 29, 2017
Boys-
I think part of the secret of life is learning how to manage yourself – learning how to regulate your emotions and make sure that you are in as good of spirits as you are able to.
I saw a sticker on a car recently that said “Some pursue happiness, others create it.” I really like that. To me, it says a couple of things.
- Happiness comes from within. If you continually look for things or people to make you happy, you will be in constant search. Such external sources of happiness can be fleeting.
- It’s better to give than get. Seeking external happiness is like constantly looking for a reward or a prize or a high. But if you create happiness, you are giving away the goodness in you to the world around you.
Giving rather than getting can be something that you eventually learn to let fill you up.
You guys slept at Mimi and PopPop’s last night because Mom worked and I had a deposition that ran late. You guys said you had an awesome time.
Love you guys,
Dad
by Byron on July 16, 2017
Hey Guys-
You guys just started showering about two weeks ago. It seems as though baths have come and gone. It’s pretty crazy, as a parent, knowing that the big bath activity – an activity that took place about 4 times a week for years and years – is probably over. You guys are growing up.
Last night, Mom’s cousin Brandon got married. You stayed home with Amy. Amy is Jocie, Erin, and Ezra’s nanny, who occasionally babysits for you. When we were at the wedding, there was a guy who was kind of a loner. He stayed by himself, not really talking to people. I don’t know if he was uncomfortable being a loner, or comfortable. I don’t know if he wanted to be with other people or not. I don’t know if he was shy or just needed some time alone.
Often times, I reach out to the person I perceive to be the loner. Usually because I remember that time in myself, and how I was uncomfortable sometimes. I want to make people feel comfortable in social settings such as the wedding last night. If you guys want to reach out to people, you will likely find that sometimes people don’t want to be reached out to. It’s best to have low expectations. But if you feel the right thing to do is reach out to someone, I encourage you to do it.
If you are the guy who is alone, that’s okay. You don’t need to feel bad or uncomfortable or ashamed. It’s okay to be the loner sometimes. If you are only the loner because you feel uncomfortable reaching out, and you wish you could go talk to someone or ask that girl to dance, I encourage you to do it. Everyone feels uncomfortable sometimes. Everyone is scared of rejection. Fuck it! Get rejected! You will find, as I found, that it’s not so bad. Not everyone is for everyone.
Find the solace in yourself and in the people who will always love you unconditionally!
Love,
Dad
