Finishing the Definition

When I bought this domain name, truebluetitan.com, I was searching for a word or series of words that would describe my purpose in life. A littler deeper than the usual domain search, I know. The combining definitions of the phrase “true blue” and the word “titan” seemed to fit perfectly – “one of prodigious size, strength, and achievement with inflexible faith and integrity”. My north star was born, and from it, a rather clear perspective on what life was about.

One of prodigious size, strength, and achievement with inflexible faith and integrity for the Glory of God.

Five years have quickly gone by since the creation of my north star. Since then, I kept finding myself looking at the words, re-evaluating them, and at the same time, myself. Something was missing. Sure, the word encompasses everything that I want to be in this world, but it doesn’t say why. I’ve felt this way for a long time, and my usual inner-voice response was “because it’s the right thing to do”, but that answer only pacifies me temporarily.

Well, I’m proud to say that, after a lot of soul-searching, I now understand why I feel this way about myself and life. My north star is God, who sent His only son to this earth to die for us. This is why I need to be the best man I can be – for Him. Now, the definition is finished. Everything I do is “for the Glory of God”.

Starting Over

2009: The fall of the foundation

As the sun was setting on the 2009 Calendar year it felt like everything in life was falling into place. I was engaged and we were busy planning the rest of our lives together. Then life did what it does best and threw a monkey wrench in those plans. The foundation on which I had spent years building crumbled quickly and painfully, and with it, took everything built on top of it.

For over a year I kept my heart behind a rather thick wall. I stuck with what I was good at – work, and very quickly pushed away anyone who might have the remote chance of hurting me. Thankfully, a lot of wonderful people never gave up on me and urged me to have some über heart-to-hearts with the big guy. That soul searching was just what the doctor ordered. As 2010 comes to a close I feel at peace with the new direction of my life and am starting to think “What’s next for me?”

What does this mean for TBT?

I’m a firm believer in having a strong foundation from which to build on. Truebluetitan is the core of who I am and I plan to use this space to document everything positive that has come out of my experience – how it has renewed my faith, made me a better leader, and inspired me to give back even more. So it’s time to get focused…

Until next time, I have a few parting words:

1. Life is unpredictable. Go with it. When life throws a jab at you, try your best to duck and weave to miss getting hit. Sometimes, like me, you get a left hook to the face and get knocked off of your feet. It’s OK to stay down for a bit, but collect yourself and get back up before you’re out of the game for good. If you can’t do it on your own – call me. I’ll help.
2. Stay The Course. Sometimes things don’t go the way you want them to. Instead of stomping your feet and saying that life is not fair, do something about it. Stick up for what you believe in and continue to move towards your true north.
3. Set Your Foundation. Sure, I lost something that meant the world to me. However, I didn’t lose everything. Knowing who I am at my core has helped me through the bad times and it will do the same for you.

Can you relate?

Have you ever gone through something that shook your core only to get back up and think “That’s all you got?” If so, I’d love to hear your story.