As I contemplate my life, and my accomplishments and achievements, I think a lot about my roles versus my identity. As my roles continue (parent, grandparent, provider, attorney, etc.) but diminish in some respects, I have found more time to remember and refresh my identity - who I am.

There are things in this life that literally stir my soul and energize me emotionally and mentally.

Good and meaningful music - classical, Christian, and even good country and rock with a solid message, and good instrumental music, including bagpipes, classical / Spanish guitar, bluegrass and jazz and blues.

History - anything that explains people, cultures, languages, as well as my nation’s history and events that shape our world.

Bright colors and nice fashion - I literally feel “electricity” when I see any brightly colored thing from architecture to animals, flowers, food, clothing. When I color, I look for the bright colors.

Airplanes - I love aircraft and flight. I missed out on becoming a pilot, and I sometimes think maybe I should have been a fighter pilot in the Air Force instead of a lawyer; but I still got to fly a fighter jet when I was in the Air Force, and it was one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had. This probably explains why I still love thrill rides at amusement parks.

Wildlife and nature - seeing God’s beautiful creations literally fills my soul with wonder and amazement, and I feel so much gratitude for the beauty and variety of species we have on our earthly home. I can’t see a deer or an elk or a moose or a jackrabbit or coyote or whale or dolphin or clown fish or eagle or wolf, etc. without feeling like it’s the most amazing and gorgeous creation ever.

Good food - I love to cook and experiment with new recipes. Good food fills my stomach, but the aromas, colors, and flavors provide a sensory explosion that also brings me great joy.

But as I think about my Substack experience to date, I contemplate what I’m trying to accomplish with the time that I spend here in this community. For me this opportunity is not about what can I get from this experience, although I do get enjoyment, encouragement, and support from reading my friends’ posts and their very thoughtful and meaningful writings - for which I am grateful; but more than anything, my spirit tells me I need to be true to my identity as a friend, a spirit brother to everyone I meet here. I don’t have a desire to be famous or “successful,” as the world often defines success, or make money through social media; rather, I hope I can be a real friend to anyone who needs a friend. I hope I can say something that will make someone happy or feel important or appreciated or loved. I want everyone to understand that you are all important, and you have purpose and divine potential. You are loved and needed despite what others might say or regardless of how you might be feeling. You are meant to be here in this world, and you’re meant to be here now. You have touched my life, and I believe that’s important; and I hope I can touch your lives somehow.

So, this is me. I’m imperfect, inadequate, mediocre in many ways; but with God and His influence in my life, I can be great in blessing others, and I can be great at listening and offering comfort and encouragement, and I can use my resources to bless others, because everything I have comes from God, and He asks me to share with others what He has given me.