This past year was full of memorable experiences—some good, some bad, some incredible. Personally, it’s been one of the most challenging years I’ve ever had. There were days—weeks even—that I wish I could put behind me. But when the going gets rough, the good moments can either get lost…or they can stand out and be appreciated that much more. Whatever business you’re in, just remember that the people you’re serving are often just trying to get through something, and you’ve got an opportunity to make a difference.
Here are some of my best experiences from 2016:
Disney
Probably the highlight of the year was an experience we shared as a family, taking my son to Walt Disney World for his 8th birthday. I’ve written about Disney before and how they make every moment count, even more so when it’s your birthday. My son’s birthday experience there will be hard to match.
Super Bowl 50
If you’ve ever had a team you care about make it to the pinnacle of the mountaintop and capitalize, it’s an experience that’s hard to beat. As a Denver Broncos fan, it was simply amazing to be able to experience their Super Bowl victory (on TV, not in person unfortunately) and to see Peyton Manning go out as a champion.
The Ravenous Pig
I love good food. But I love the dining experience surrounding good food even more. I had several really good meals in 2016, but one of the first and best was at The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park, Florida. The highlight was a “Ribeye for two” that I shared with a work colleague, easily one of the best steaks I’ve ever had in my life. Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, I can’t wait to go back and do it again. The service was really great, too.
Disney again
I got to take my wife with me for a weekend trip to Orlando, where we got to spend some quality time together without the kids. We had a great meal with incredible service at Artist Point and enjoyed a private boat ride across the lagoon during the fireworks show. It was a good chance to reconnect with my spouse and be able to focus on each other for a couple of days.
Oh, Canada!
My family took a road trip this summer and drove from Tennessee to Toronto and enjoyed the majesty of Niagara Falls and the sights and sounds of Ontario. It was truly a beautiful place, and my boys still talk about it. One of the highlights was dining at the top of Toronto’s CN Tower and experiencing some awe-inspiring views. (Side note: We also stopped twice at Graeter’s Ice Cream, once in Columbus and once in Cincinnati. Best ice cream on the planet.)
Weekly breakfast
I invited three work friends to join me once a week to have breakfast on Friday and just reflect on our lives—struggles, blessings, experiences and opportunities. Life is meant to be shared and enjoyed with others, and doing that with these three men made a huge impact for me this past year.
Camp Sonrise
Of all the travels and wonderful meals from this past year, perhaps my most memorable experience was as a camp counselor for a week with my church’s children’s ministry and being able to spend quality time with my 8-year-old as he enjoyed his first camp experience, made new friends and embarked on some new adventures.
Finally, I launched this blog. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes in 2017. Wherever we end up, I know it will be full of challenges, along with more fulfilling and amazing experiences to be shared and savored.