Do remember learning the basics of arithmetic? Just like learning the alphabet for understanding words, certain things are basic truths. Almost every adult who helps a young child learn number facts or sing the “ABC” song, has a moment when they wish things in their life were that simple again. The problem with that way of thinking is that for that child, learning number facts or the ABC’s is not simple at the time. It can be overwhelming to face all that new information and to make it a part of your life and knowledge.
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This morning my son Jonathan and I decided to spend a part of our time in Boston walking the Freedom Trail. Appropriately, this fascenating journey begins at Boston Commons. Most journeys toward freedom originate in our common experiences and needs. Any journey toward real freedom leads to our strongest desires.

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Tags: courage, excitement, freedm, guide, independence, obstacles, sacrifice

As a child, I loved to play in the big woods near our home. There never seemed to be an end to the exciting adventures we could have there. We rode our bikes on the dirt roads that went through the woods. We climbed on, made forts out of, and hid behind the many rock formations that dotted the woods. (more…)

Even though I grew up on one of the Great Lakes, I did not learn to swim as a child. My wife, who is a good swimmer, and I made sure our children learned to swim. My own efforts have been hampered by something I had not counted on–fear of the water. My own fear has been aided by a few adult attempts at swimming that ended in helpless flailing in water over my head and needing to be rescued from drowning. I have come to realize it is not water I am afraid of. I drink water. I bathe and play in water. My fear is based on my lack of knowledge of how to move myself successfully through water, no matter whether it is over my head or not. (more…)