Dear Hannah,

The movie "Groundhog Day" starred Bill Murray as a weatherman caught in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again.

His experiences led him to re-examine his life and priorities.

When it was released in 1993, "Groundhog Day" was a modest success.

Since then, it has become more popular, and is now considered one of the best comedy films ever.

It is now ingrained in the public consciousness - the term "Groundhog Day" can represent a situation that seems to occur repeatedly.

I know a little something about "Groundhog Day".

My purpose is to create beauty (art) that helps us LEarn, inspire, and empower.

There are many times, though, when my art inspires people to assign me the task of supporting their purpose.

That is not quite the goal of my work.

My goal is to help us all LEarn how to collaborate and execute in ways that support our respective purposes.

I am your co-laborer ... not your laborer.

Once upon a time, recognition of "Groundhog Day" conditions was an automatic trigger to stand firm and say "no".

For example, 15 years ago I led a project that walked 250 aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of writing their "first" business plan.

This plan was a 5-7-page blueprint that would help them "wrap their minds" around their God-given ideas, and implement them at their life's pace.

That way, their visions would manifest at their appointed times.

The class' last writing assignment included drafting concrete "next steps" that they would execute after the end of the six-week course.

More than one student included "hire Derrick as my first employee" as one of their "next steps".

That was not going to happen.

That was not quite the goal, people.

I digress.

Nowadays, Groundhog Days are trickier to handle.

They are occuring more and more with people with whom I walk closely.

Responding now is not as simple as saying "ain't gonna happ'n, Cap'n".

My response had to be more like, "can't do that ... but here's what I CAN do".

The best lessons are ones that teach you at least twice.

So, experiencing the same situation multiple times can be painful - but still useful.

Just as it happened in the movie, each Groundhog Day may seem the same - but each presents a new opportunity to grow in how I handle myself.

This is key - because at this stage of my life, I recognize the importance of every relationship, conversation, and moment.

They all matter.

I feel an urgent need to redeem the time I spend with everyone on my path.

This urgency leads me to often seek wise counsel when frustration clouds the "big picture".

So why do I have do many Groundhog Days?

I posed this question to my main man ... and he imparted some wisdom I would like to share.

He said ...


Love,

Daddy