When Someone is All In
It was Felix’s sixth birthday celebration and that’s what brought their family to Disney for vacation. I only knew this because I read it on the front of everyone’s t-shirt. There were nine family members traveling together: Felix (the birthday boy), Carlos, Inez, Juan, Maria, and two sets of grandparents (Grammy, Grampy, Abuelo and Abuela). They were clearly Disney fans. In addition to their “Happy Birthday Felix” t-shirts with their own names printed on the back of each, they all wore coordinated black shorts, white sneakers and white baseball hats. They stood in front of us on one of the rides at the Magic Kingdom, and I couldn’t help but admire their total commitment to coordinated family outfits and the special celebration of Felix.
We saw them the next day at Epcot—all nine of them, this time in a different customized family t-shirt with the full outfits. When it came to planning for their special family vacation, whoever was in charge of managing all those details was all in. Felix and his family weren’t the only ones. Throughout our four days in Disney, we saw dozens and dozens of families, newlyweds, youth groups—each with matching t-shirts, some with personalized baseball caps, and many with years’ worth of trading pins attached to their backpacks. These were dedicated fans, all in for their trip.
This reminded me of the people who go to Tanglewood, an outdoor concert venue in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. If you were to view the place when it’s empty, it doesn’t seem like anything special. But on a concert night when James Taylor or the Boston Pops are playing, you’ll see thousands of people sitting on blankets with the most elaborate picnics ever. In addition to fancy food and wine in decanters, many guests also pack linens, china, crystal, and even fresh flower arrangements for their tables. Their commitment to the Tanglewood Experience is incredible. In fact, it’s worth going just to see the spreads that people create. If you’ve been there, you know that the guests who participate are all in.
I have a friend with two pet chihuahuas. and he has a closet with more than 200 outfits for his dogs. This might not resonate for you, but when it comes to his dogs, he is all in.
What about you? When was the last time you were all in for something?
Maybe it’s been a while… is it time to reconnect to that old passion of yours?
Whatever it is that you commit to, give it your all— and while you’re at it, appreciate others who do the same!
This Week’s Resources
Very Expensive Used Cars for Sale
Have you been wondering why it’s so expensive to purchase a used car these days? Or were you shocked by how much the dealership was willing to give you for your trade in? This article from the Hustle provides some entertaining insight into why used cars are selling for such a premium these days: https://thehustle.co/why-are-used-cars-so-expensive-right-now/
For the Pet Lover: an Awesome Gift
Do you love your dog? Do you also happen to love puzzles and Legos? Then you might be the perfect buyer for a custom “brickbuddy” puzzle of your own pet. You have to see it to really appreciate it: https://www.united-doggos.com/
MLB Allstar Game Honors a Legend
Did you watch the MLB All-star game? Were you able to see the amazing tribute to Billye Aaron, Hank Aaron’s wife? Not only was she married to a famous baseball player, but she herself has done some fame-worthy work in her own lifetime. See here for a tribute: https://meaww.com/hank-aaron-wife-billye-aaron-standing-ovation-mlb-all-star-game-coors-field
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