This is a phrase that we use around our house with regularity.

Not “You are a bad boy,” rather, “you have not been the best version of you.”

We all know what the best version of ourselves looks like: Kind, present, caring, compassionate, inviting, patient.

And we all know what the opposite it when we fail to put our best foot forward.

In our work, in our homes, in our relationships, when no one is looking…

Every now and then, we are not the best version of us.

J-Man is a particularly thoughtful and smart bugger. This leads to lots of laughter, silliness and ridiculously deep conversations with this little 4 year old.

He can also throw a tantrum with the best of them. I mean, in the history of all tantrums.

Like, he’d win a gold medal in Rio if tantrums were a sanctioned Olympic sport.

I want to say that I always give him the best version of myself when I react to his tantrums.

Um. Not the case.

This is usually when I display the worse version of me. Impatient, gruff with my voice, more upset than I’d like to be.

I’m working hard on how to react to him with more patience, a bit more love in my voice and with a firm kindness.

So yes – let’s attempt to get some rest, a bit of exercise, and eat a little better today.

So that we can all be the best version of ourselves.

Our colleagues deserve it. So do our neighbors and our families. The world deserves that.

YOU DESERVE THAT.

Because, quite frankly, with all of the garbage you and I bring to the table, we are still a masterpiece of fine art that is loved by the Creator and many others.

Kevin