Comments on: Thankful

By: Elisa

Elisa — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:26:06 +0000

Sean – I know I’m a bit late, but again I’m so happy for you and the decision you’ve made. Though you may be putting some jet-setting on hold right now, it takes a very bold move to face these challenges in a place where “everybody knows your name.” For me, I’ve always been more bold and daring when I’m an anonymous face in a crowd, when there’s no lasting consequences for your actions.

When everyone knows your story and is vested in it’s future, it’s a lot harder than people think…of course, there are things that are much more comfortable and “easy” too. Welcome back…looking forward to some fantasy football action this fall.

By: Back in PDX

Back in PDX — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:27:13 +0000

[...] posts for awhile. I know the last few have pretty much only been about my preparing to move back, moving back, and now being back. That’s cool and all, but I know you are probably ready for something a bit [...]

By: David Damron

David Damron — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:09:31 +0000

Awesome man! Can’t wait to finally meet up. I am excited for you to geet back some of your “normal” lifestyle. I remember when I was in Aussie that all I wanted for a day was a “normal” day to live.

Have fun playing golf and enjoying the weather up in PDX.

Later man…

David Damron

By: Lou Mindar

Lou Mindar — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:33:22 +0000

My grandfather, a first generation immigrant to the U.S., spent his life working like a dog and sacrificing to provide a better life for his children.

His son (my father) put his own happiness aside at a relatively young age and sacrificed his own dreams because he believed it was the best way to provide for his family.

Over the years, I learned a great deal from my father and grandfather about how to sacrifice, but I didn’t learn much about being happy. Instead of following their lead, I have decided to do what makes me happy. In one sense it is selfish of me, but I’m also teaching my kids a valuable lesson about their own lives.

To say this same thing a little differently, I want my kids to grow up, pursue their dreams, and be happy. The best way I can think of to teach them to do this is to be a good role model for them.

Sacrificing your dreams and happiness for the good of your family may seem noble, but in a lot of cases, I think it does more harm than good.

By: Rasheed Hooda

Rasheed Hooda — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:27:18 +0000

Welcome home, dude!

Derek is absolutely right in his comments. You can’t give something you don’t have, and in order to make others happy, you must first experience happiness yourself, and that, my friend, sometimes requires being selfish.

Now that you know what is possible, you have more to give. It is one of those paradoxes of life. You have to be selfish in order to be altruist.

Relax and have fun for a bit, because I know you’ll be out and about again soon. I am so proud to call you a friend.

Rasheed

By: Jill MacGregor

Jill MacGregor — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:07:37 +0000

Welcome back to the Pacific NW, Sean! You forgot to mention, in you list of things to get used to in the States, THE WEATHER…maybe 72 in Seattle today.
This will be a chapter in your life that you will never forget.
Travel safely,
Jill

By: Tyler Tervooren

Tyler Tervooren — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:34:43 +0000

Welcome home, buddy. See ya soon!

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:13:05 +0000

I really like Derek’s point above. It is generally those who know exactly what they want for themselves that can give back the most to others. Sean- THANK YOU SIR. You are freaking awesome, you are capable of pretty much anything.

By: Derek

Derek — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:31:31 +0000

“I’ve been focused only for what is best for me, with little regard for those around me.”

I disagree.

What’s best for you is best for EVERYONE. By being ‘selfish’ this year, you probably inspired hundreds of people. Made them more driven. More productive. And more excited to be selfish themselves. Because of your selfishness, we are collectively better off.

The biggest fallacy of our time is the idea that you must live for others. That’s probably why you wanted to escape in the first place. You were becoming too dependent on the whims of others. Dependency is unattractive. Independence is a magnet.

By: Nate

Nate — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:55:46 +0000

Welcome back to the States! I’m extremely excited to see what you do from here. Take some time to relax and enjoy your family and friends, that is so important and many people don’t even have the opportunity to do it.