How many perfect men does it take to screw in a light bulb?
How many perfect men does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Just one—he holds the bulb up to the socket and expects the world to revolve around him.
Here’s why this joke is one of my favorites. Jokes can be silly, stupid, satirical, self-deprecating, or even really mean. But some jokes use humor to uncover something that is both honest and true.
At first glance, this joke is about men who think they’re perfect and the self-centered belief that life is all about them.
But the joke also uncovers something honest and true.
Whether you’re a man or a woman, perfect or imperfect, it’s easy to believe that life is all about you.
It’s not.
Whenever you sacrifice your own health and well-being, it impacts others.
Everyone around you pays the price when you can no longer serve, give, love, care, be present, contribute, or put your best foot forward.
Your family and loved ones pay the price. So do the causes you care about, the people you lead, the people you serve, your students and patients, your team, your clients, your customers…
They are all impacted—and they all pay the price—when you’re not the person God made you to be.
One of the stories that deeply inspired me during my PTSD recovery was the story about retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills. In 2012 during a third tour of duty in Afghanistan, Travis was critically injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). He lost both arms and legs and is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive. Travis went through grief, anger, depression, self-doubt, and all the things you’d imagine after such a trauma.
Remarkably, today Travis is one of the most gracious, grateful, joyful, generous, well-adjusted, and service-minded people I’ve ever seen. Travis is an awesome husband and father. He’s an accomplished author and speaker. You can find an award-winning documentary about Travis titled Travis: A Soldier’s Story on popular streaming services. What’s more, Travis and his wife, Kelsey, founded the Travis Mills Foundation to benefit and assist post-9/11 veterans injured in active duty.
I first became aware of Travis when I was at a low point of my own. “How does Travis do it?” I wondered. Over time, the answer became clear.
Rather than blaming the injustice and unfairness of what happened to him, or wallowing in self-pity, guilt, or shame, Travis believed that he could still make a difference.
In his heart, Travis knew that life wasn’t just about him. Because of that belief, he used his struggle and the challenge of his circumstances to help, encourage, and be a blessing to countless others.
You may very well be struggling with overwhelming and unfair circumstances. You may have sacrificed or neglected your health and well-being and told yourself that your best years are behind you.
I get it—I once believed that, too.
But if Travis could LIVE AGAIN!—so can you.
I talk about the secret to Travis’ remarkable attitude, along with many more lessons, in my new book LIVE AGAIN!
If you haven’t done so already, order your copy today!
Purchase LIVE AGAIN! on Amazon.com
And feel free to share with a friend who thinks it’s too late to make a difference.
Until next time, remember…
You are here to make a difference. You shine when you help others.
You are the answer to someone else’s prayers. People need you.
You are a gift to the people around you. But when you don’t take care of yourself, you take that gift away.
It’s not too late for you to LIVE AGAIN!
With gratitude,
John