The kind of door I want to have
The kind of door I want to have
It's more than an open door.
I walk down the driveway, through the open garage, and without hesitation, open the door. The house I’m walking into is a place I’ve never lived, but it feels like home. I never had a place for my toothbrush here, but I’ve celebrated Christmas dinner, birthdays, and funerals. As a kid, I watched cartoons here on Saturday mornings, often before most of the family was up. I ate healthy snacks and watched movies in the living room. I sledded down the hill in the front and back yard and spent more hours than I can count exploring the creek in the back. This house doesn’t belong to my family. It’s my childhood next-door neighbor’s house. And, though I haven’t lived next door in 30 years, as I walk in, it still reminds me of my childhood and makes me feel home.
I was there last week, helping to prepare the house for sale, helping my friend (that is more like a brother) and his mom as they prepare for another family to enjoy this home. Every room in that house has so many good memories, but it was also sad knowing this place, one of the last remaining pillars of my childhood, will be gone.
When my parents divorced, this home (and family) was a refuge for me. It was a rock that never changed, where there was always kindness, love, some discipline, and always healthy snacks. These people shaped me and, in many ways, gave me a vision of the family I would build one day. But more than all that, what I remember most is that they loved me as I was. I caused some trouble. More than once, I was a headache for them and made their youngest son cry. But, they never stopped opening their door to me. And, if their garage was open, I knew then (and I know now) I could walk right in, like I belonged there, because, in some ways, I did.
That door to the garage is the kind of door I want to have for my kids' friends. A door that is unlocked and that they can come through without knocking and feel at home, feel loved, feel accepted. That’s how I want people to feel around us, like they are family. That's the door I want to have.
This was originally posted on my blog at adamjwalker.com
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Great leadership reading from this week
Yet Another Study Confirms You're Wildly Underestimating How Much People Want to Help You
Well, this is encouraging cause I need a lot of help! But seriously, people want to help you; just ask.If you feel dumb, you just got smarter
I read this title, and it immediately resonated with me. I feel dumb often, and I’m always looking to get smarter, so, win-win!No One Cares About Your Intention
Often we want people to look at our intentions behind our actions. They won’t. And we need to realize that and make sure our actions match our intentions.
Other interesting reading from this week
How Much Free Time Is Too Much Free Time, According to Science
Spoiler, the sweet spot is between two and five hours of free time a day.The World Really Is Getting Better
The media might not make this seem true, but it is. The world is getting better.
My videos from this week
Interesting Podcasts from this week
206. Advice from The Long and The Short Of It - They discuss the difference between advice, coaching, and teaching.
Stay Away from Matthew MaGill - This podcast sucked me in and was fascinating. This man had an amazing life, with all the advantages, and still died alone.
My Podcasts to check out
Tech Talk Y'all - My tech/comedy news podcast.
Real Pink - I host the national podcast for Susan G. Komen. If you want some inspiration or information about breast cancer, give it a listen.
While Daring Greatly - This is the podcast version of my live streams.
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