Living with Grace

The First Lesson: Grace

Living with grace is important in everything we do, from daily tasks to major life decisions. I’ve learned and looked back now in retirement that grace is key to a balanced and fulfilling life regardless of what you're looking to get out of it.

In my days as a Merchant Marine, grace meant staying calm under pressure. Ships don’t always sail smoothly; we often faced storms and unexpected delays.

As an artist, I find grace in patience and appreciation of the process. Painting isn’t just about the final piece; it’s about each brushstroke, the way the colors blend on the canvas, and the feeling it brings.

Instead of getting frustrated, take a step back, take a deep breath, and appreciate the moment. The next day, with fresh eyes and a calm mind, approach your project with grace.

In logistics, grace comes into play when dealing with complex systems and tight schedules. It’s about problem-solving with a level head and treating team members with respect, even when deadlines are approaching.

Living with grace makes life smoother and more rewarding. It helps us stay calm, think clearly, and treat others well, no matter the situation. Whether navigating rough seas, crafting a painting, or ensuring a shipment arrives on time, grace has been my guiding principle. And it can be yours too, in whatever path you follow.

Grace is about respect. In the rush to succeed, remember the journey matters. Stay true to yourself. Don't just chase a quick win. Make choices you'll be proud of later.

The Second Lesson: Respect

Respect is fundamental in every aspect of our lives, shaping how we interact with others and ourselves.

As I reflect on my career and current life as an artist, I realize that respect has been a cornerstone of my journey, influencing every decision and interaction.

During my time as a Merchant Marine, respect was critical aboard the ship. It meant acknowledging the hierarchy, valuing safety protocols, and appreciating the diverse backgrounds and experience of the crew.

We depended on each other in high-stakes situations, where mutual respect could mean the difference between safety and danger.

As an artist, respect translates into honoring the materials I use, the subjects I portray, and the audience who views my work.

It's about respecting the art form and the message it conveys. Every canvas is a dialogue, not just between the artist and the artwork but also between the artwork and the viewer.

In the world of logistics, respect is about appreciating the complexity of the supply chain and the hard work of all involved—from the warehouse staff to the truck drivers to the managers coordinating vast networks.

It means valuing each person's role and understanding how each contributes to the bigger picture.

Living with respect enriches our lives. It fosters healthier relationships, creates a supportive work environment, and leads to more meaningful art. It teaches us to value different perspectives and to approach life’s challenges with a mindset that goes beyond personal gain.

It’s a lesson that complements grace and one that I carry forward in all I do. Let respect guide you, and you’ll find that it not only changes how you interact with the world but also how the world interacts with you.

The Third Lesson: Let People Learn

It's important to let people learn from their own experiences. This includes making mistakes. Everyone needs the chance to try things for themselves. This helps us all grow and get better at what we do.

Think about when you learn something new. It can be scary at first. You might not get it right. But when you try, and even if you fail, you learn. Next time, you do better.

In teaching, whether it’s a new skill or a whole subject, patience is key. Give others the space to explore and make errors. Don’t jump in too quickly to correct them. Let them think and try to figure it out. This helps them learn and remember.

This way of learning isn't just about gaining knowledge. It's about building confidence and independence.

When someone learns from their own efforts, they feel proud. This builds their confidence to try more new things.

Letting people learn is giving them a gift. It shows trust and respect. And it makes our communities, workplaces, and homes better places. This lesson can help everyone, no matter where they are or what they are doing.