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Bob Groves | Man Alive

I’m 63 Today Here’s a Life Lesson

Published 6 days ago • 1 min read

Reader

Today I turn 63. (I hadn’t said that out loud until a couple weeks ago. It reminds me BIG TIME of the finite aspect of life.)

This morning, reading Genesis 32, something hit me.

Jacob is on his way to face his brother Esau.

Which means he’s not just walking toward the future.

He’s walking straight into some old stuff.

History.
Regret.
Fear.
Unfinished business.

And before he gets there, he wrestles with God. Crazy right?

God changes his name.

That got me thinking:

One lesson I’ve learned over these years is:

WHO > WHAT.

Who I am is greater than what I do.

Who I am will always shape what I do.

And maybe that’s why some of the same challenges keep showing up in our marriage, family, career, leadership, or life.

Different day.

BUT Same us.

We keep showing up dealing with “stuff” as the same old us. Over and over.

ANd perhaps, like Jacob, we can’t walk into a bigger future still being ruled by the same old version of self.

That feels pretty personal today.

At 63, I’m less interested in asking, “What’s next?” (Although I do ask and am loving my life journey)

I’m more interested in asking:

“Who do I need to become for what’s next?”

What part of me can’t go where I am going? Who do I need to be to grasp an even greater life? Marriage? Career?

Maybe that’s a good question for you too and something to wrestle with:

WHO > WHAT.

— Bob

PS - Reply to this email regarding any topic or with any question and I’ll reply or answer them OR turn them into an email teaching for all the men to learn from. IE your topic or question may be exactly what other men need to hear too. AND - I am on the only one who sees/reads my emails. they are 100 confidential.

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Bob Groves | Man Alive

Coach and Author of Winning the Wrong Game

Straight, honest writing for successful men who refuse to win at work while losing what matters most. Marriage. Faith. Purpose. Leadership. Health. Life.No fluff. No pretending. Just the stuff that helps you become more fully alive.

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