The Shortest Walk

- THE SHORTEST WALK -

It was August 23rd, 2018 which perhaps was the hardest day for Sarah and me. We had spent forty-seven minutes with our firstborn son, who was now leaving for the United State Navy. This was an awe moment, but also a moment of reflection in happiness. I believe Nelson Mandela said it best; "There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires." 

HAPPINESS 

"Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude"

- Dale Carnegie

All men and women, brother and sister wish to live in peace and happiness but have lost their vision. People wish to live happily but are dull at perceiving exactly what truly makes them happy today for tomorrow. Unfortunately, this notion of being happy is quite easy to attain for the committed, sacrifice, and patient but the more eager mankind struggles to reach it the further they depart from its path. Ever road or path leads somewhere, but the decision to make the right one can take some time. I am sure you are aware that time is the great commodity of value today. Therefore, we must all first redefine the clear aim of what we truly want to achieve in life that can bring happiness. It is the first and most fundamental responsibility for all humans being is to become a joyous people. To be happy is the ultimate aspect of life. It is the fundamental foundation of life. If you are not happy, what else can you be in life? As I expressed with Isaac, whatever you do in life through the Navy give your best in your inner quality. Whether you like it or not, that is where you'll see happiness and reality. The tremendous value of life comes from that spot. So, if you are concerned about the world around you, the first thing you must do is transform the person in you into a joyous person. 

2–Realizethatjoyisyouroriginalnatur

THE PATH

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a tail" 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sarah and I were nerves, but we recognize Isaacs inner drive and discipline to make something more of himself. He has a clear vision and he's chosen the right path to take him toward happiness. Of course, some will disagree with the military. And yes, the U.S. military has short faults, but incredibly it is the best teacher of success. The difficulty often lies in recognizing these lesson or principles and the crossover of values they all offer. I didn't receive those while in college. I had to learn them from the "University of Hardknocks" both day and night classes, lots of laughs. I believe so many of us go through our careers viewing them as something distinctly separate from our personal lives. This happens to be a total waste because there is so much value in the experience and lesson we are learning from, but to many lose focus and they shut the door to these opportunities. These eighteen years with my son have come and gone at an incredible speed. They will for you too, regardless of whether you choose to serve in the military, college, or career. You must redefine the aim of happiness and redefine the path you take. 

KNOWLEDGE 

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge"

- Albert Einstein

When Isaac and I took to the street for our walk. I did most of the talking. . . yes, some tears fall from my face as the sun began to rise from the east. My hope was that the right words would formulate while the sun rose. To send him to be on his journey in life. I expressed my deepest love to my son and the transient feeling of love that he'll always have from his mother and me. It was a great time of talking principles and experience. I asked him if there were two things you could take back, what would they be? and why? He said; "I would take back my junior high and two years of high school where I didn't give a crap. And how I treated my girlfriend " Those words will always serenade within my heart and mind. Isaac knew that if he gave his absolute best in each course, I would help him to find a great college and to find the best career fitting for him. Of course, life seems to change the direction for many people. My son's path was military, Isaac began to express his gratitude for the discipline I shared with him. And the lessons of success, happiness, and marriage. The last thing I share with my son was the notion that a lot of successful people didn't receive a great education. Some were self-educated and it continued till they passed this life to the next life. I said; "Isaac, that doesn't mean that you can be successful without studying. As you know that's why I get up at 3 A.M. to receive the knowledge they didn't give me in college. Learn all you can, take away every stone of knowledge. Remember, every stone of knowledge you gain is a weapon in life.

THE TOOLS 

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give"

- Winston Churchill 

As the flowers blossom and the sun drops down the rays of sunshine. That is what you mean to me my son. Everything is in order and God knows that order because he's the creator of all things. The whole cosmos and galaxies are far from our own comprehension, but love beyond degree is much more enjoyable to understand and to give. To all children that leave home. I hope that you've found your purpose long before you walk out the door and you've gained much of the tools needed to be happy and successful in life. It is a much-needed requirement to make it today for tomorrow. Suffering is happening essentially because people have lost sight and the tools to make it, most human being have lost their perspective as to what this life is truly about. Their psychological process has become fogged up with existential distractions. I expressed with Isaac as I am with you to stay focused on the aim of your achievements and to bring happiness with you everywhere you go today for tomorrow. Never allow the opinions of others to distract you or to pave the path of your destiny. Remember, the thought in your head travels to your heart and back to your head. The emotions within start to turn and those feelings will determine the nature of your experience wherever you go. So, keep your mind clear from distractions. I know you'll face some challenges on this journey. Therefore, set up the best support group, as my son has here in our home. We must all find them because there're people that still do love helping others. 

Here are some tools to help you find those people. They must be people of strong character in qualities and value. They must show compassion. They must be honest. They must display self-discipline. They must have their own goals. They must attain good judgment, courage, faith, love, knowledge, and responsibility. I leave you with this quote from an excellent teacher and hero in my house. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' 

Best, 

Coach Frank Sagasta 

coachingbeyond5@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/sagasta2000

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