By David Tepera, October 14, 2026

I will be the first to admit, you’d be surprised of the man I am behind the printing of this column. I do my best to live by the messages and inspiration I share each week, but also admit to my past faults and dumb decisions.

One of the biggest surprises to my wife Tina while we were dating was when she discovered I’m a goof ball. On the outside, I have a professional appearance running a gym, medical background, guest speaking across the country, columnist, etc. But, there’s still a silly kid living in my brain. I prefer to see the humor in life, so I act goofy when nobody’s watching. Tina and the kids just shake their heads as they crack up.

How about you? Who is the person behind the scenes? Do you live the life presented to others around you? It’s perfectly okay if you are not as long as you’re kind to others. 

Being in the health industry my entire adult life, I was always surprised of medical and health professionals who smoked tobacco, or other destructive behaviors. Listen, I’m not judging or casting stones because I support living the life you choose.

Now, here’s a story that prompted this week’s message. A few days ago, while driving home from work, there was a little bit of road rage from a frustrated driver. This lady was swerving and cutting off other drivers while speeding through traffic. Each time she jumped in front of someone, she gave a one finger salute. The interesting part was as she passed me, I noticed a bumper sticker promoting a church, along with several fish emblems attached to her car. For some reason, I don’t think that finger was pointing to heaven.

To me, I’d rather laugh, be silly and not worry about other people’s opinion. I found that if people find something definitive about me, it’s because they live in a negative world. I just keep on being me, and so should you. People’s true character is behind closed doors.

Also, I know many people who perform kindness acts when no ones looking through volunteering at animal shelters, food drives, plus anything that helps their community. They don’t want recognition or attention. It’s just wonderful people who make this world a better place.

So, the question is – when no one is looking, what are you doing?