This piece struck me in a profound way. At 50, I’ve been reflecting on what I’ll carry with me from the hardest chapters of my life—especially after the loss of my son, Joshua, who died just before his first birthday. That tragedy shattered everything I thought I knew about strength. For a long time, I wore pain like armor, believing that staying silent was the only way to endure. It wasn’t. True strength, I’ve learned, is standing in the raw truth of grief and saying, “I’m scared,” while still finding a way to keep going.
Your words reminded me how critical these moments of vulnerability are—not just for personal healing but for the way we lead, connect, and shape the lives around us. Some of the most defining moments in life unfold quietly, in the spaces where we choose courage over comfort or kindness over indifference.
Thank you for sharing these lessons. They serve as powerful reminders to live with intention—to play, to be present, and to share our stories, especially when they’re hardest to tell.
Favorite comment of the year (even though we're only 8 days into it;). You ready to set up your profile yet? I have a feeling the world could benefit from your reflections and lessons learned. Thank you for sharing this and sounds like Joshua was a heck of a teacher.
I really appreciate that Colin. I love doing these types of posts and reflecting on life while trying to attach a very short story to as many as I can. Blessings right back at you and thank you again for your support.
Best lessons I’ve read up to date! I went the old school (lol) and printed the article so I can actually go back and read one at the time as I open my notebook. Thank you for your great writing!
Your writing always shows great humanity and humility. This is a wonderful piece that oozes 'Michael Thompson' with originality, warmth and love. Thank you so much for sharing the insights and for the glimpses into your world and heart - I think you make this world a better place simply by being you and sharing it with the rest of us
Ericccc! Miss you man. And I owe you a call. Behave yourself in the land of wonder and if we don't link up this summer I will lay the blame 100% on you;).
This was so powerful in so many ways! I retired last year and it woke me up to my own mortality. It has made me aware of the brevity of life and the importance of doing things important to you earlier in life - and spending time with loved ones whenever possible. Days after 64 become numbered and everything takes more time and effort than it used to.
Your thoughts on life and relationships are such wise advice. I wish I had read this a few months to decades earlier so could go back and be there for those that suddenly passed on. You inspire me to keep making those connections - and trying to reach those that are closed off for whatever reason. Thank you.
Haha - thanks so much for this Tom. The best way I've found to keep writing fun is to play with words and sentences as much as possible. It may slow down my output, but playing is never a waste of time.
This piece struck me in a profound way. At 50, I’ve been reflecting on what I’ll carry with me from the hardest chapters of my life—especially after the loss of my son, Joshua, who died just before his first birthday. That tragedy shattered everything I thought I knew about strength. For a long time, I wore pain like armor, believing that staying silent was the only way to endure. It wasn’t. True strength, I’ve learned, is standing in the raw truth of grief and saying, “I’m scared,” while still finding a way to keep going.
Your words reminded me how critical these moments of vulnerability are—not just for personal healing but for the way we lead, connect, and shape the lives around us. Some of the most defining moments in life unfold quietly, in the spaces where we choose courage over comfort or kindness over indifference.
Thank you for sharing these lessons. They serve as powerful reminders to live with intention—to play, to be present, and to share our stories, especially when they’re hardest to tell.
Favorite comment of the year (even though we're only 8 days into it;). You ready to set up your profile yet? I have a feeling the world could benefit from your reflections and lessons learned. Thank you for sharing this and sounds like Joshua was a heck of a teacher.
I loved every word of this and am printing it off, Michael. Happy New Year to you!
Thank you Linda and so glad you view it as printable-worthy as that's the ultimate compliment.
25 Today is the best day. Now is the best moment. What are we waiting for?
Thanks for this great piece.
Love it. Thanks Lucy and I hope the new year is off to a solid start.
Thank you Michael for all the thought, insight and wisdom that went into it. They all resonated, some, as you would expect, resonated deeply.
Blessings, Colin
I really appreciate that Colin. I love doing these types of posts and reflecting on life while trying to attach a very short story to as many as I can. Blessings right back at you and thank you again for your support.
Best lessons I’ve read up to date! I went the old school (lol) and printed the article so I can actually go back and read one at the time as I open my notebook. Thank you for your great writing!
Wow. Thank you Magdalena. Your comment means the world.
Your writing always shows great humanity and humility. This is a wonderful piece that oozes 'Michael Thompson' with originality, warmth and love. Thank you so much for sharing the insights and for the glimpses into your world and heart - I think you make this world a better place simply by being you and sharing it with the rest of us
Man this lit me up Michael. Thank you so much for this. Will be taking it with me into 2025 also;).
‘Silent gratitude is selfish.’ Wow - yes! In keeping with that philosophy, I want to thank you for this deeply meaningful article.
Thank you Hilary and well played;).
Great stuff, no words. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Arvind. It was a fun one to put together.
I was reading those with a big smile on my face. I could relate to so many of those, it's like you were reading my mind Michael.
Ericccc! Miss you man. And I owe you a call. Behave yourself in the land of wonder and if we don't link up this summer I will lay the blame 100% on you;).
I love this entire list. So many words of wisdom here. Well done!
So glad you liked it Shlee.
#11 really resonates with me. It’s every reason I do anything I do, wrapped in one little sentence
Right there with you on this.
This was so powerful in so many ways! I retired last year and it woke me up to my own mortality. It has made me aware of the brevity of life and the importance of doing things important to you earlier in life - and spending time with loved ones whenever possible. Days after 64 become numbered and everything takes more time and effort than it used to.
Your thoughts on life and relationships are such wise advice. I wish I had read this a few months to decades earlier so could go back and be there for those that suddenly passed on. You inspire me to keep making those connections - and trying to reach those that are closed off for whatever reason. Thank you.
Thank you for this Kat. Relationships are indeed everything and I'm so glad it inspired you to keep making connections.
Every one of these offers a profound lesson. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
I really appreciate you taking the time Heidi. So glad it resonated.
Thankyou. Real and true 🙏🏼💖
Real and true is the only goal;).
Powerful and poignant list! Thank you so much. It’s a great piece.
Thank you for taking the time to say as much Angie.
I love how you play with the words on the page - always brings a smile to my face!
I particularly loved this sentence construction:
"The days I feel good though, are when I go outside and kick a ball, chase my kids, or get kicked by my kids while chasing a ball."
That is writing mastery right there!
Haha - thanks so much for this Tom. The best way I've found to keep writing fun is to play with words and sentences as much as possible. It may slow down my output, but playing is never a waste of time.