Personal Qualities
I was watching an interview this week with Rory Feek, world-class storyteller, country musician, filmmaker, and New York Times best-selling author, and widower of his wife and duo singer Joey Feek (Joey + Rory).
Rory is such a humble man, and he said a quote that made me stop, and hit rewind so I could capture it in my notes.
While this post doesn’t really have anything to do about nudism or the nudist life, it has to do about living a better life and selecting your personal qualities.
After all, being a nudist is just one small facet of who you, and I are are as humans in this life.
Seasons and chapters in life
In life we go through many seasons, or chapters, that can leave us feeling confused, or lost. While we think we know what we want, or where we are going, life has a funny way of putting in a speed bump.
These bumps can really take us for a mental ride and leave us questioning where, and who am I supposed to be. We flex on our personal qualities, trying to figure out what and who we are, or want to be.
As we try to level our wings in the tailspin, it can stall who we want to be.
We look to the wrong people or sources for answers or guidance. You know the people that say “you shouldn’t do that”, or “I wouldn’t do that, it is stupid/daring/risky”. The ones that place just enough doubt in your head that you grow a bigger story on why you shouldn’t.
Who to turn to
What ends up happening is all tend to look, consciously or subconsciously, for answers from others during this time; however, what if instead of asking/seeking advice from others, we take the time to look at who we really admire?
Rory once heard someone ask “who would you be if you were someone that you admired”. He then followed by stating, “make a choice that would put you closer to being someone you admire”.
I want you to take a minute to re-read that.
One more time.
Take a moment to look at your life and those you truly admire, then ask yourself: what personal qualities, or characteristics, did I really admire that I would like to take on?
Write them down.
Take some time with this one, and go through the many people you admire and write down all the qualities that you want to be like.
The next step is to take action and “make a choice that would put you closer to being someone you admire.”
Who I admire
The two main people in life that I will take qualities from is my Grandpa and my dad.
My Grandpa passed away on Memorial Day weekend 2021 at the age of 97. He was a WWII veteran and was married to my Grandma for 75 years. He was a very humble man and simple Midwest boy, with a heart of gold. He loved to help people, loved his wife, and his yard.
My dad spent almost all of his adult life serving others. He spent 24 years as a volunteer firefighter, 8 years volunteering at the Red Cross driving the emergency vehicle, and presents flags to fallen military and first responder families. While he doesn’t do the firefighting or Red Cross, he spends his time supporting the Veteran and Gold Star Families.
So the qualities that I currently aspire to be more of:
1. Be humble, kind, and live a simple life.
2. Serve others in need no matter what my own personal needs may be.
What are qualities WILL you want to take on?
My hope is that this article has inspired some reflection when you read it. Maybe while reading, you instantly thought of someone you admire, and you started to write down qualities that they possess.
With that said, I would really love to know in the comments of this post, or by email (everydaynudist@gmail.com) what you will do.
Notice that I didn’t say “what you want….”, but what you WILL do.
Write it down. Look at it daily. Start to take small steps to implement it in your life.
You are never to old or to young to change. You aren’t “set in your ways”, that is an excuse.
However, you want to know the biggest driver that causes change in life? It is death, or illness that can lead to death!
Read this previous blog I wrote “Why Does it Take Dying to Start Living” and stop waiting until either one of those occur.
You don’t need money to make character changes….well unless you want to be a philanthropist then you probably need a little; however, you could volunteer for one and make a difference.
Now go reflect, write, drop a comment below, and then start to make changes TODAY to be that person you really admire.
In your corner,
Ryan
To watch the full interview with Rory (which is a great one) check it out here.
It is presumptuous to want to be someone you admire.
Choice and action are key. I personally don’t really admire others, or strive to be like other people, but do my best to be the best version of myself. I second you on simplicity, humility and service. I would add kindness and empathy. Reminding about them daily and acting upon them, even small actions, can start tremendous good.
Yes life or death situation does change ones outlook on living. Prostate cancer surgery Jan 5 2005 was mine I was 61. Turned 62 end of March 2005 3 months after surgery I retired and never looked back. In the last 17 years have done what I wanted to do.
Hell yes that is awesome I am glad you have never looked back and they caught it early!
Ok the person I admired was a gay teacher that became a good friend starting in 8th grade through high school. He was the one person in my life that allowed me to be who I was. Listen to my dreams never judged me stood beside me when my Step-father didn’t. Spent time traveling with him getting together with other gay friends of his. He is long gone now but what I felt and learned from him is still with me.
That is awesome and glad he allowed you to be who you were and didn’t have to fake it! Sounds like he made a profound impact on you!