On the First of November, 20 years ago, my father passed on. I was at his bedside when he left, and that evening is forever etched in my mind. He did not go gently. His departure was accompanied by an audible “slap”, as if his spirit broke the sound barrier when it released. My brother cried. I went to the tavern.

It wasn’t long before I discovered that my father’s death meant a new life for me . It was strange without him. It still is. Yet, I could not be who I am today, if he had lived. There was a torch-passing of sorts, that went on between us. Surely, the death of one’s father is a primary rite of passage. It was a roadturn. A big one.

On this night, this all-hallowed eve, I am inclined to wonder a bit, to speculate. Can we gain significant change by simply realizing something of importance? Can we take advantage of our ability to imagine, to think, to reason, to decide–and call forth a turn-around event for ourselves? Can I use such a process to make changes that need to occur in my life, without waiting for severity of consequence or situation to force me into them? Of course, I can. And so can you.

Change takes guts, though, and it takes focus. Watching the World Series tonight, I was impressed by the intensity exhibited by the players when they were up to bat, or pitching, or catching. There was total immersion in the moment. The game of life is being played out every day, you know. And this is our own World Series event. If I can bring my desire up to the same level, to the same degree of focus, nothing will keep me from excellence. It’s my choice. No one can stop me, but me…