What's the Dirt on Don?
Well, there's always a story - a history - isn't there! Here's the "short" version of my story for you to munch on....
I was born, in upstate New York. I played baseball as a kid and learned to love sailing. I became interested in electronics and communications, which would shape a part of my future. I became a licensed amateur radio operator (Morse code and all that) at the ripe old age of 13. Go figure!
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I also learned to avoid cold weather and snow that stuck to the ground, if at all possible.
While attending Syracuse University (to study I didn't know what), Viet Nam interviened and I was about to be drafted into the army (no lottery or sign up in those days). So, I spent a few years in the Navy instead (not a jungle boy). I accidentally stayed for 20+ years and spent nine of them as a full-time student (bless the government!). I graduated from Purdue University as a meteorologist with three minors (not the digging kind). I was a career cryptologist - pretty esoteric, huh?
I was later awarded a masters degree which proves anyone can learn. I have lived in nine states, on one subtropical island in the Pacific, made two ocean voyages on mid-sized sailboats, been north of the Arctic Circle, across the Equator and lived aboard a large warship for four years (take my advice and fly to Europe if you travel). I have been fortunate to visit most states in the US, as well as over 25 countries. Yikes!!
Much like you, I'm on a journey, too. I also have a coach - more than one. Not because I'm hopeless, but because one is not “human” - it's a horse {imagine that!}. I also have an amazing spiritual guide and teacher. I love to learn and it can be a challenge.
My family includes, my life partner, two (adult) children, four too-cute grand children, one younger brother and his family, several horse partners, Quesadilla - a calico cat we call "Cheesy," and a forest full of friends in the back yard.
My "fun list" includes sailing, diving, writing music (piano & synthesizer), playing with radios (haven't quit since I was 13!), lots of reading, hiking (in park settings – not in the jungle, remember!), riding & working with horses, Coaching (yea, so I love it...), and working & playing with kids. I love beautiful gardens and I do not "do" gardening!
I am attached to chocolate and ice cream.
My professional career has taken on lives as a naval officer (yikes!), government contractor, corporate senior executive in four companies, a telecommunications engineering innovater, organizational consultant, and professional coach. I may find out what I want to be when I grow up…some day.
I value integrity, connection, nature, truth, sincerity, the spiritual path, and the integration of who we are with who we “be.”
Whew.... Even I didn't know I could ramble that much. But, that's me....
Don's Pontification on life (aka my beliefs - this ought to be entertaining....)
- Life is meant to be fulfilling. The purpose of life is attaining true happiness!
- This implies a constant reduction in one's suffering - not pain, mind you - suffering (there's a big difference).
- By reducing emotional suffering through self-actualization, focused intentions, alertness and mindfulness, we can become more and more happy.
- To suffer less we must resolve our internal "issues," and that is hard work. Focusing on the exterior is non-productive in this context.
- With resolve and action with intent, we can transcend our beliefs, habits and invent new outcomes.
- You can become a new observer on life's path, finding opportunities that were not even available to you in your old self!
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And true happiness is fulfilling, isn't it?
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