Giving thanks. Do it for them, not for me!

This year's Warrior Dash

When I sit down and reflect about what I am thankful for I realize that I have gone through a lot this past year.  From taking my little girl to her first day of kindergarten to not being renewed for my teaching position, I think that I have been resilient through all of this.  Whereas some people might just shut down with this type of hardship, I saw it as a way to focus on the positive of what is going on in my life.

One of the things that I am thankful for is my family and my health.  Every year since my little girl was born I push myself to get outside my comfort zone and do something to show her that anything can be accomplished.  If it's running a 10 mile race to completing an obstacle run, I always do it with the thought that one day I will be running these with my kids, if they want to do them.

I want my kids to see that their dad did what he put his mind to and that they can do it too. If it's wanting to be a doctor, a writer, a dancer, or a nurse like their mother, they can do anything they want to.

I also want my kids to be selfless in the things they do. I want them to take care of others and not expect anything in return.  I want them to get that feeling of accomplishment when they see how helping others is a great thing to do.  While I don't have the means to help out every person in the world, I try to help out in any way that I can.

This year I am participating for the second time in raising money for men's health and awareness through Movember.  The premise is easy, do not shave for the entire month of November and try to get friends and family to support you and raise money for men's health.

I have joined up again with a great group of Dadbloggers to raise money and this year we have been lucky to have Dove+Men care match our donation up to $3000.  If you can help out with a dollar or two that would be fantastic.

Last year's November results

Next year I will be running the Warrior Dash again, but this time I will be raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital.  I have signed up to be a St. Jude Warrior and have pledged to raise at lest $300 for their wonderful hospital.

As an incentive to have people help out with the fundraising I have offered to write the names of those who donate $25 or more on my body.  This will be a way to have you run with me in spirit as I run through the mud and jump over fire for a great cause.

So let's remember that while we are giving thanks for the things that we have and the family around us, let's also help out those that are in need of help and do whatever we can to make their lives a little more easier.

Thanks for reading,
Victor