I honestly don’t know where the days go anymore. It seems just like yesterday when my wife looked me in the eyes with a big smile and said: “Hunny, I think I’m pregnant.” When this was only 8 months ago.
2018 has been a whirlwind year, to say the least. Not only did we find out we were expecting a baby, but the doctor told us we had been gifted with twins.
With my response of “Really?” I looked back into my wife’s eyes and felt a sense of panic but also excitement. A feeling that only someone who has been in similar shoes as mine has felt.
When your partner tells you that they’re pregnant there is a rush of thoughts and emotions that come over you. Then when a doctor tells you that you are actually having two babies, it hits a whole other level. I’m not a very emotional person and I didn’t tear up, but at times I’ve been known to show my true colors which happen to be something most people don’t ever see.
This moment is something that I’ll never forget because it’s been a dream of mine since I was young to have twin boys. Tomorrow one of my dreams will come true.
The purpose of this post is not to get all emotional, but rather to take the opportunity to write a post to my two boys before they are born into this world and share a few thoughts with them that at one point when they are old enough, I hope will mean something to them.
1. Don’t Be Afraid of Failure
If there is one thing I can teach both of you my sons, it’s that you must realize that life has a lot of highs and lows. There will be times when you want to stop, quit, and pack up. These hard times you will experience are just tests for you to come out a stronger man on the other side.
My life has been filled with mistakes and failures and it’s honestly one of the most rewarding things that have made me who I am today. There were times when I was down and out, literally hopeless with no idea what to do next. I didn’t stop or quit though. I picked myself up and kept going because I knew I deserved better or didn’t accomplish what I set out to achieve.
One of the reasons why I have failed so much in sports, life, business, and in school is because I had no fear of the outcome. I wasn’t limited by my beliefs and what I’ve learned is this,
“You can do anything in life that you put your mind to. Don’t limit yourself, instead believe you can do anything.”
So when you enter this world and are on the playground, on the ice, in the office, or out experiencing life, don’t ever let failure stop you from accomplishing your goals. Always believe you can do it and I’m confident you will have the outcome you want.
2. Seek out Opportunities
One of the greatest qualities of someone that achieves the highest heights in life is someone who doesn’t just sit back in a comfy chair and let life get handed to them. They get out there and make shit happen.
You both need to realize that if you want your dreams to come true, get out there and make them happen. Good things in life happen to good people. Sometimes it can be tough and it may seem like others have it a lot easier than you, and this will definitely sometimes be the case.
This does not mean you have to be like them though. Aim to be the hardest worker in whatever it is you want to do with your life. You can be anything you want and if you are the hardest worker who doesn’t give up, I’m confident you can do things in this world you didn’t think were possible.
Be a seeker of opportunities and don’t be afraid to look in the most unlikely places. If a door slightly opens for you and it’s an opportunity to advance yourself, make the most of it.
3. Be Gentle & Kind
This last point is something that I’ve learned mostly from your mother, who is the most gentle and kind person I’ve ever known. She has taught me the power of kindness, and how this can make you a better person, friend, brother, or partner.
When others are threatening your well-being and state of mind, the best way you can deal with it is through kindness. Coming from me, this was something that quite honestly didn’t and doesn’t always come easily to me. I’m a pretty direct person and have at times been known to hurt people’s feelings.
These are not proud moments of mine and I don’t want either of you to be like this. Learn from my mistakes and be a gentler man and person, similar to how your mom is.
Before I get too emotional and realize that in under 24 hours I’m going to be your dad, let me leave you with one last lesson that I hope will follow you wherever you choose to go.
“Don’t be someone that floats through life thinking they should have done this or that or what could have been. Instead be the person who took action and stayed the course through the good times and the bad. Don’t ever live with regrets, instead, live with the freedom to pursue your dreams.”
Sincerely,
Your dad “Clinton Senkow”
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