Finding Strength In Imperfection

Striving For Excellence - Finding Strength In Imperfection is the basis for this blog highlighting overcoming adversity. The podcast interview, December 22, 2023 Stephana Johnson's podcast "Lead Stronger Longer" interview with me on December 22, 2023, provides a glimpse into my life and poses an important question for attendees of our 25th International Families and Fathers Conference in April. What Are You Called?! No, not your name, but we all have been chosen to give what the world needs; my question is, "What Are You Called To Do?" A follow-up question, "Have you avoided your call?"

Key Highlights:
Military Service & Leadership
Fatherhood Program Innovations
Grant Funding Success & Collaboration
Global Impact on Professional Development
Creating Curricula for Empowering Communities

2024 FFCA CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN

April 22-25, 2024
25th International Families and Fathers Conference

A Series About Those Living In Their Ikigai
Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW

It's important to remember that during times of struggle, we have all the necessary tools to overcome them. Looking back, we'll be amazed at how far we've come. After a podcast interview with Stephana Johnson, the author of The Powerhouse Leader Success Guide, I took a moment to reflect on a time when I felt like giving up. But even in those moments, an inner drive pushed me to keep going. One of the greatest assets I've experienced during times of challenges are friends who provide insights, even when I may see things differently. I was driving from Susanville, California, after providing training to the Child Support Staff for the County of Lassen for three days. During this time, I listened to an outstanding Audible book called Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, which is about finding oneself through a process of elimination. He shared stories that allowed him to grow as a person and a quote that stuck with me: “The arrow doesn't seek the target, the target draws the arrow….sometimes we don't need to make things happen.” This mantra created a paradigm shift in my decades of "Striving for excellence, understanding you will never be perfect'" as shared with me by my U.S. Army Drill Sergeant, SSG Timothy S. Green, Ft. Jackson, SC.

THE GREAT ONES GO THROUGH ADVERSITY NOT AROUND IT

I realized during this beautiful drive that every moment is precious and unique. It is important to cherish each moment and enjoy whatever comes my way. "Despite the heartbreaks and losses in my life, I find inspiration in the resilience of nature. Even in the face of devastating wildfires, the towering Redwoods of the Northern California Mountains stand tall, untouched by the flames. This reminds me that, like these trees, we too have the strength to persevere through life's challenges and emerge stronger on the other side." This reminded me of the Japanese term 'Ichigo Ichie', which means 'one opportunity, one encounter.' Just like an arrow, which needs someone to create it, the right wooden shaft with a feathered tail and proper tension to be fitted to the string by its notch, and the person pulling the string with the best element to place the quiver holding the arrow on the string and propel it forward, every moment has many dependencies. We must also consider the conditional elements of time of day, weather, temperature, wind, and distance that affect the arrow's trajectory. It may not always hit the bullseye even if it reaches its target. Which would you rather be - the arrow or the target it seeks?

During my interview with Stephana from Lead Stronger Longer, I reflected on the times when I decided to take the lead (be the target) and allowed myself to be led (carved as the arrow). I invite you to join me in discovering your Ikigai, and to make continuous improvements towards a greater cause - one that is beyond just ourselves. Let's embark on this profound and remarkable journey together.

 I was asked to provide my top book of inspiration, but I just could not, so here are a few in order  of recommended Books:

Number Ten - One Day My Soul Just Opened Up by Iyanla Vanzant
Number Nine - Kingdom Man by Tony Evans
Number Eight - The Four Agreements: by Don Miguel Ruiz
Number Seven - Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Number Six - Destiny: Step Into Your Purpose by T. D. Jake
Number Five - Battlefield Of The Mind by Joyce Meyers
Number Four - The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Shulz
Number Three - Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization by John Wooden
Number Two - Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life Book by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia
Number One - Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Enjoy the Podcast Here