The Wisest Man I Have Ever Known – by Dr. Nick Araza

My Father.

My Hero.

I have only been on this planet for 29 years, and I have not yet created a family of my own, but from what I understand, there aren’t many things in this world more difficult, more selfless, or more intensely demanding than raising a family.  Plenty of people have families, and great ones at that, but to do it well, to raise kids, and to have a relationship with them where they can trust you, be honest with you, have fun with you, while also look to you for discipline, guidance, leadership and love seems to be the trickiest juggling act I can imagine.  Not to mention do the same thing with a member of the opposite sex, as well as have a job/run a business to support not only yourself but these people who are, as I can only imagine, extremely expensive and often self-centered.  Not to mention to always be there for them no matter what they are going through, even if you do or don’t agree, but to always offer unconditional love and suppport.  That is a DAD.  That is my dad.  I know that if I can be even close to as good of a father as my dad was to me, I will have succeeded in my life.

Those of you who are lucky enough to know him, know that he has been and always will be a pillar of strength in my life, one I lean on often when times are good for challenging mental debate and plenty of laughs, and for support and advice when I struggle.  He is always there, and I feel comfort in knowing that although we haven’t lived in the same state for about ten years, he is always with me and only a phone call away.

Truly, though, I live much of my life by many of the codes my father taught me.  “Jackerisms,” as I have coined for him – the advice and keys to life come often, and often come on repeat!  So often, in fact, that I was surprised to hear that repetition was the mother of all learning…my dad could fill in in a heartbeat.

Just kidding, Dad - it’s your repetitive nature that has really helped stick your gold nuggets inside my dome for a life infinitely better off.

So, Dad, to give tribute to you on this Father’s Day, I give the world (our blog readers) some insight into the pure nuggets of gold wisdom that you have gathered and given to me and Andrew, which has helped shape our lives and decisions….and not to toot your horn too much, but you raised some pretty amazing sons.    ;-p

I love you, Dad!

Here goes: Words of Wisdom from my Dad:

“Don’t make your problems my problems.”  This is beautiful - have you ever noticed how often people want to make their problems your problems?  If you follow this advice and everybody else does, too, we only have to deal with our own problems…and that is more than enough.

“Risk vs. reward.”  Probably the most influential piece of advice I have ever heard from anyone.  Life is full of risks and rewards - evaluate everything based on the amount of relative risk vs. the amount of relative reward, and go from there.  Always strive for lowest risk value to highest reward value.

“Trust, but verify.”  This can mean different things for different people, but I always use this in the beginning of a relationship, whether with a new friend, a new romantic interest, a new work colleague, etc.   It allows some guard rails in the real world.

“Always decrease the # of transactions.”  Do this and your life will get tremendously easier.  If you tell someone you will be somewhere at 8, just be there - don’t call when you get in the car, and when you are almost there, and have them text you when they are there, etc.  Simplify and let your stress drift away.

“Meet them where they live.”  Understanding where people come from will help you tremendously in dealing with them.  It will save you time and frustration.  These words go hand in hand with…

“Some people can’t leave the neighborhood.”  Meaning, where people come from can often be who they are, no matter what their current position in life.  Mike Tyson may be a good example  of this.

“Code Talking.“  This describes understanding that many people say one thing when they mean another.

…and last but not least:

“There’s the story, and then there’s the rest of the story.“  You often need both to understand everything, and (especially in politics) the rest of the story is often left out.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad, I love and appreciate you!

Your Son,

Nick

All next week we are honoring fathers at Franson Family Chiropractic by giving them an opportunity to get a complete spine and nerve system check up at a super reduced cost.  For more details, please call 978-927-8466 or email drnick@fransonchiropractic.com