Comments on: The Paradox of Freedom

By: Christina Edgar

Christina Edgar — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 17:04:52 +0000

WOW! Great message. Everything really does have a different view when we change our perspective. I call it “practice”. If I’m practicing everyday, be it yoga, compassion and kindness, or whatever comes to me that day, I remain thoughtful in every moment. Thank you for always being insightful and bringing the awareness of how when we look at things differently, they change.

Can I also add how tickled I am to be reading this message, because I love the “Haven’s” so much!, and I also see my other favorite…Hi Jason Hewlett! I feel like I just got the bonus on a slot machine! 🙂

Blessings to you all, and thanks, so much!, for inspiring us!

By: Adam Havens

Adam Havens — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 01:19:48 +0000

In reply to Andrea Gold.

That’s an excellent point, Andrea. Having a purpose is a great way to focus, and that’s a thing we all need now more than ever. If he felt we had too much freedom before the Internet really took off, I can only imagine how overwhelming it would be for him now.

I think it’s important for all of us to periodically assess if the path we’re on is actually the one we want to be on. It’s a hard thing to do, but I think it’s much better than getting to 63 years old and deciding that you’ve hated the last 15 years of your life.

Thanks for the comment!

By: Adam Havens

Adam Havens — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 01:17:37 +0000

In reply to Sean Sigmon.

Sean,
I was entirely unsuccessful at ‘coaching him up.’ He failed my class, and the following year I left that school and began the weird, wandering path that led me to where I am today. I wish I could have done a better job of reaching my students, him and so many others – but the trick with education is that you never really know if you reach somebody, or when. Most people don’t realize how impactful a teacher is until at least after the class is over, and sometimes it’s not until several years later.

As for how I responded in the moment, I’m pretty sure I said nothing, then moved immediately on to whatever lesson I was attempting to teach the other 20 kids in my class. That’s one of the challenges with teaching – when you find a ‘teaching moment,’ you can’t always take advantage of it! Much easier in the business world where you have more 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 conversations. You know the phrase, “Those who can’t do, teach”? Well anyone who ever says that should trying teaching, just to see if they can do it. It’s unbelievably hard.

Probably not the answer you were looking for, but in fairness, I was 22 years old. I’d like to think I’d do better now. 🙂

By: Adam Havens

Adam Havens — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 01:13:17 +0000

In reply to Jason Hewlett. Thanks, Jason! Hope you and the family are doing well. Someday I'll need to get to Utah and finally meet you in person! (And see Utah!) Hope your "mid-life crisis" is going the way you want it to. :)

By: Jason Hewlett

Jason Hewlett — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 18:06:01 +0000

Great article as always. Interesting perspective of that disruptive kid, and cool spin you’ve put on it here. I’ve had this conversation with my parents and even my wife this very week, about the midlife crisis and all it really means…love how you explained the freedoms. Continued success my friend!

By: Sean Sigmon

Sean Sigmon — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 16:28:27 +0000

Jeff,
I always like your stories and resulting insight.
Curious what happened to the Kurdish kid. How did you respond in the moment and how did he respond moving forward? Were you successful at ‘coaching him up’?

By: Andrea Gold

Andrea Gold — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 16:15:11 +0000

Jeff, your point is amazingly deep and innovative! I feel for the angst of that student. I hope he’s found peace and joy here. And finding that really is an “inside job.” I’d add that people may feel there’s too much freedom when they lack a sense of clear purpose for their lives. It can make them flounder, fight or flee (I didn’t plan all those “f” words, either!). I hope people really think about what their lives are about and what they want to get out of life. That may help direct people’s choices in life, thus clearing away some burdens or baggage that no longer serves them. Great blog article, Jeff!