01/22/2022
months ago, We decided to pursue new opportunities, leaving family and friends.The transition has not been the easiest, navigating a culture vastly different, but today something interesting happened.I had the pleasure of taking my daughter to her first father/daughter dance.Even though she was more interested in running around with her friends,I still managed to learn from a five year old.
1. Build relationships: Even though she is a new school, I was amazed at how well she has integrated and her ‘networking’ skills. Most importantly, how she navigated.different relationships. 2. Be your authentic self:even though we went to a dance, my daughter was more interested in jumping and running around with her friends which fortunately did not disrupt the event. Why do I say this is authentic? Because as a dad had I forced her to dance all night, going according to the planned event of the night, I would have lost that authenticity of her being loose,laughing and jumping around with her friends, which mind you, was the whole point of the event.3. Persevere: she cried when she bumped her head, but within seconds was back at it running again. Aka: get back up and keep going. That may mean going back to the drawing board, or a quick nap/run to look at a problem(s)with renewed focus.
4. Never lose sight of who your rock is. Even though I was not in sight, she sought me out during her accident so I could comfort her and encourage her. For me that it is leaning on my faith and a few scripture such as psalm 91, psalm 27 and listening to sermons. Leaning on my wife and talking things out. At other times it’s just being still or reaching out to friends I trust. Find your rock/anchor
5. Most importantly: be present in every moment: she knew where to find me if she needed me, but at that moment from 630 to 8 , my daughter was enjoying the freedom of seeing her friends for another two hours. Too many times we are in places as a placeholder without enjoying what’s going on, I’m guilty of this. So I’ll learn to enjoy the little moments more, and be more present either at home, work, or socially.