By David Tepera, September 1, 2021
There’s no secret that with age comes wisdom.
I was the oldest father of my children’s friends as they were growing up. I told them many times that they were fortunate to learn through my life’s experiences — unlike their brother Dustin, who was 10 years older. Dustin was fortunate to have the younger and more energetic dad, but less wise.
What’s truly important is we should relive the past — not to judge or dwell, but to learn and grow.
Yes, we’ve all made plenty of life-altering mistakes. I know it’s hard to let go and feel depressed about certain actions or words said to others. But don’t let those experiences define you. They must be lessons to help grow and become a better person.
Most of us would love to go back in time and correct some serious mistakes, but it won’t happen. Believe me, there was a time in past that the dumbest person I knew was me. I would mentally beat myself up for even the littlest of mistakes.
It took a few tragedies to made me realize that I must learn and grow from all experiences of life. This is part of my journey that God laid out for me, and I’m going to use it to help others.
What past mistakes changed your life? Do you still dwell on it or have you learned from it? Sometimes people say and do things we don’t agree with, but who are you to judge them? They have different life experiences than you, so let them be.
I will be honest that as a family of professional athletes, and owning a fitness center, we do struggle accepting the obesity rate in America. We’re humbled changing people’s lives, but the growing numbers are their own pandemic.
How many diets have you failed in the past? What have you learned from them, or are you jumping on the next trend because it’s all over social media?
The lesson of dieting is all about portion control. You can eat anything you want just keep portions under your body type. If you want to lose weight, start cutting portions sizes. I don’t care what unhealthy foods you’re eating, throw out half the fries, take the top bun off the burger and order a small soda instead of the jumbo water tower.
Look, let’s get back to reality. What made you a better person because of past lessons? Why are you a kinder and more gentle person to be associated with?
I hope it’s because you know longer judge and dwell, and only to learn and grow.