J.J. Goodman: Writings, Musings and More

A little reflection on a Thursday… Harrison Ford is my favorite actor. That should come as no surprise as he portrayed two of the most iconic film heroes of my childhood. I've lost count of how many times I've watched the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, but I've found in my repetitious revelry in doing so a great many lessons applicable to my life. It's funny how fiction has a way of permeating reality sometimes. So… Who's you favorite character, and what have you learned from their example? For me….   Things I learned from Indiana Jones…   1.       It's not the years, it's the mileage.   2.       Don't break the seal if you don't have to.   3.       It's always good to have short friends.   4.       When in doubt, make it up as you go. 5.       Seeking idols will always get you into trouble. 6.       A good smirk goes a long way. 7.       Know your history. 8.       Be able to work dirt

  Here I sit, in the middle of another July, approaching another birthday. And, as usual, I've been doing some reflecting on the path I've followed to bring me to this point in my life. Each year since I began these birthday ruminations has been one of change and surprise, a carnival ride rampant with twists and turns; filled with jaw-dropping excitement, stomach-turning distress, and swirling emotion. Long ago I stopped trying to predict how my life would proceed. I have no idea. None of us do. How could we? Every day that passes, every decision I make alters my direction. Most do so imperceptibly. Many, however, do so with outrageous aplomb. No matter the circumstance, each little thing that affects my life alters it as stones do a river. This birthday, though not a major milestone, brings a different kind of remembrance; later this fall, I'll be celebrating my twenty-fifth high school reunion. That sole fact creates a multitude of reflections and queries –