If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. ~Milton Berle

As a musician, I grew up with teachers, church leaders, even other kids my age, telling me that I shouldn’t study music because musicians end up being poor. Later in life, I decided to learn sound engineering in order to have my own recording studio or to be a freelance sound engineer. In pursuing this avenue, a different, albeit similarly voiced group of individuals, told me, but you will have to go on tour or work late-long hours which won’t allow for a family. When I started into real estate, my parents questioned why, now with a family, I chose to get into a profession that has no regular income security like a salary/office job would have. Then I started to write a book and my in-laws started to wonder when I was going to get a real job.

Overtime I started to realize that I was an opportunity junkie. I was so tired of being told that my professional choices were flawed that I sought out new opportunities to try and quench those that doubted. Seeking opportunities were more to make others happy with my life than it was for me.

Then I came across this quote from Milton Berle. “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” During this time of career shifting I continued to find that desk job that would make my in-laws happy, and the day job that would keep me around home. The more I tried, the more rejection I found. At some point I told myself, I can’t wait for some employer to find my value and to leave my future in his or her hands, and I don’t think that I would want some of the jobs that others were pushing me to find. Opportunity was not knocking at my door, so I went and built several doors. So I shifted my paradigm. I realized that there is a way to have a job with security, that keeps me close to my family, and can be in something that I love.

Now in 2010, I am hearing more knocking than I have ever before. I have my own recording and video production studio, a classic radio production facility, I have one documentary released with another being released later this year. My book is going to press and should be available before Christmas, and I have produced and recorded multiple albums this year. Nobody handed me these opportunities, I had to go make them happen. In tough economic times, we have the opportunity to make our own opportunities. Rather than be a victim of layoffs and unemployment, we can embrace the strengths we know we have and form the futures we have always wanted. This is not the promise of millions of dollars, but of satisfaction, of fulfillment, of lasting happiness.

Happy door building everyone!

“This is the best day of my life!”

“Daddy this is the best day of my life!”  My 16-year-old daughter blurted out as we got out of our car.  We were just getting home from successfully finalizing something she had been working on for a few months.  Her hard work paid off and her emotion was very high; she was sporting a smile from ear to ear.  This emotion was due in part to the trails of details unknown in getting over the finish line.

The emotion of being her father caught me and I too began to celebrate in her achievement feeling deeply the sensation of true joy.  It is times such as this that being a parent is well worthwhile.

My mind began to realize all that lies ahead of this young lady.  Yes, this is a time she will remember, but I know it will pale in comparison to what she will yet do.  You see I too realized this same accomplishment at her age; I remember the joy I felt, it was cool.  Yet, now as a father, the joy I felt was much different.  The feeling is indescribable.

I could, as each of you parents can, recite many stories such as this where we were proud; happy for being blessed to be a parent.  Knowing now with greater wisdom what life has to offer and how we continually gain greater appreciation.

What I want to share is that we who have lived a little longer understand the milestones which are head of our youth.  Remember saying, “I do” and knowing your soul mate was now part of you?  How about the birth of children; knowing you were responsible?  Graduating from college, first job, promotions, awards, and new positions, anything that comes to mind?  Finally, most meaningful, being there when loved ones reach these same landmarks.

I am so very happy for the joy my daughter felt, but I can’t wait to be there when she achieves just apart of what is on her bucket list.  Know from your father the joy you experience gets better, sweeter and intensely more meaningful as you grow and mature.  Thank you for who you are and for making me so happy 🙂

Jaren