My parents never read to me at bedtime. I didn’t miss it much because I didn’t know any better. They loved me and showed me in many other ways. They just weren’t big readers. So, I made the decision that I would read every night to my kids. I began reading to them when they were very young.
Since they were more focused on the sound of my voice rather than the actual stories, I decided that I would read them stories that I was interested in like the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. That worked until they got old enough to say, “Dad, please, not The Hobbit again.”
During my media career, I was focused on personal learning and growth. When I was asked to join a Vistage CEO peer group, I was exposed to some great programs and presenters in the business world. One presenter came to our Vistage group and said that we could access his personal audible library. That was music to my ears.
I began listening to every business book I could get my ears around. Whether I was in the car, working out or just on a walk, I was veraciously consuming every book I had time to listen to.
Then I came upon one book that stole my attention from all the others. The book is by author Ryan Holiday and titled The Obstacle Is the Way. To date, I believe I’ve listened to this audible book at least 50 times and I seem to get something new out of it every time.
I’ve used the practical advice learned through real-life stories of everyone from Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Franklin Roosevelt to Emilia Earhart and Helen Keller. Each story reveals how the subject of the stories faced obstacles in their lives that might have defeated others, but somehow turned the obstacle into an opportunity and in some cases an advantage that moved them forward faster than had the obstacle not intruded upon their life.
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that many great world leaders have read “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius which is a foundation for Holiday’s book. In fact, before I meet volunteers in person, I share the book with them as well as Diveheart stories of hope and healing. I find that by the time I meet them in person, their perspective is different, almost enlightened. I recommend the book, especially for those struggling with a challenge.
