A Navy SEAL’s Perspective

After a particularly full life’s journey of amazing experiences, triumph and tragedy, I’ve gained perspective and “lessons learned” I’d gladly share, if given the chance, with my younger self. 

I’ve learned that bullies are usually over-compensating for their own insecurities - often out of childhood abuse. That doesn’t, in any way, make it acceptable – it just gives me a clearer understanding of what a bully is. 

I’ve found that gratitude is truly the best attitude. When in doubt, give thanks. 

I’ve learned that no officials in a courtroom trial are looking for justice or truth. There are only 2 teams - The Prosecution and the Defense, each only looking for a win. That’s it. 

I’ve learned, after traveling in 60 countries, that humans historically handle too much power for too long, VERY poorly, thus the phrase, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Our Founding Fathers clearly knew this and tried their best to protect us, even many generations after their passing, knowing such unique freedom would be under attack by hostile aggressors from day 1. 

I’ve seen that it’s both unhealthy and counter-productive to allow our official representatives to enjoy no limit of their terms of office and to be allowed to decide their own salary and benefits. 

I’ve seen that those who get our country into any major crisis are NEVER the ones made to fix it, nor be held accountable to pay for the catastrophic damage they’ve done, in any way. 

I’ve seen that those who frantically censor the truth and fear open discussion are the guilty. 

I’ve learned that the deceivers and dividers are literally your enemy. 

I’ve learned that many of those who gain the wealth they so shamefully compromised themselves to achieve still feel empty. Even when in a mansion surrounded by every extravagance. There’s only one source that can fill that void. 

I’ve learned that true education is something that never stops throughout your entire lifetime, right until the very end. 

I’ve observed that many never find their life’s intended mission, because they never deliberately seek it.

I’ve learned that those who are feeling down about their own problems are amazingly - even miraculously - elevated by getting out and lifting others up, helping in simple, but sincere ways, and accepting nothing in return. 

I’ve learned that the best things in life aren’t things. Instead, they’re the relationships that people speak of on their deathbeds - often expressing they wish they’d reached out to those they love more, rather than less. 

It’s become very clear to me that people are spiritual beings, having a temporary human experience. In recent decades, that reality has been systematically suppressed more in the USA than many other countries. 

It’s clear to me that people perceive things very differently according to their life’s experiences - especially those traumatized in childhood and who now suffer tremendous psychological burdens they must try for the rest of their lives to overcome. I meet them often now as survivors of terrible child trafficking. 

With the changes in public information availability, I’ve seen that the citizens now must learn to vet (research and verify) each story’s original source to be able to evaluate its value, based on that source’s motives, access, integrity, and especially *accuracy over time. 

It’s become clear to me that nobody should marry another with the intent of fixing them, because, by my observation, that never works. Instead, marry your best friend whom you genuinely love sharing time with, no matter what. It helps if you also just so happen to find them wildly attractive.  

The human brain isn’t fully developed until AT LEAST 23-25 years, so it’s no wonder young couples struggle to survive as they’re still individually learning who they are, what their true core values really are, what their tolerances are, and what truly makes them happy. 

I’ve seen that children are the most precious and innocent among us and that the phrase, “mind your own business” often puts children at risk, eliminating their potential defense by any Samaritan witnesses. 

I’ve discovered that you’ll NEVER be harassed by critics who have achieved greater results than you. Babe Ruth was absolutely right when he said, “The loudest boos always come from the cheapest seats.” 

I’ve learned that everything evil has for us is fake. It’s all just like cheap glitter on raw sewage. It may look good at first, or from a distance, but in the end, it’s just harmful counterfeit.  

I’ve learned you should choose your friends in your down periods when their true character is more easily observed. 

I’ve learned that walking and speaking softly are luxuries you can enjoy when carrying a big enough stick.

I’ve learned that freedom is never free, and that those who truly love it prepare to ensure they can maintain it against all comers. Truly, to ensure peace, you must prepare for war, because world history clearly demonstrates that hostile enemies routinely invade, kill and pillage targets of opportunity.  

I’ve learned we’re each a walking sum-total of our life’s unique experiences. This life is literally a test of our character - judged on our personal decisions under the challenges of stress. Knowing this gives me the perspective that for everything, there is a reason, a purpose, and a plan.