"Live Boldly" by Dominic Gentile for Advice, Life Lessons

Life is full of up, downs, pitfalls, and roadblocks. Many times it can be tempting to look for and take an easy way out. Our days are filled with jobs, tasks, and duties. Sometimes we meet people along the way who will help us and ease our burdens. Sometimes we meet people who only make things difficult.

Nobody has all of the answers, but if we meet and talk to the right people, we can get some advice and counsel when things get tough. For me, my grandfather was one of those people who was able to bestow some advice when I needed it.

My grandfather was one of "The Greatest Generation". He served in the navy during World War II. Upon returning to civilian life, he became a police officer and worked his way up to narcotics detective. My grandfather retired, moved to Florida, and grew blueberries. He did a lot of things with his life, including writing a book.

As you get older, you do and see things. These things will give you knowledge, wisdom, and perspective. You want to pass down what you know to the younger generations. Hopefully, what you bestow upon them will serve them well in their trials and troubles.

Live Boldly

Photo: liveboldly.org

Dominic Gentile is one of those people who have been around and seen some things. Dominic has imparted his knowledge to the younger generations of his family, and he has published those lessons and nuggets he's picked up in life for all to read. Dominic has written "Live Boldly: 65 Lessons for a Life of Meaning, Grit, and Grace". The chapters in "Live Boldly" read as open letters to his grandchildren to guide them in their own lives. 

Bad news that’s true is always better than good news that’s wrong. 

"Live Boldly" covers a wide-ranging degree of topics. It warns the reader that the easy way isn't always the best way. Hard work has it's rewards. We have all heard that, but in Dominic's book, he illustrates what those rewards can be. He also reminds you that while hard work is beneficial, it's also important to rest every now and then. Dominic draws on his experience as a younger man, a husband, father, and business owner. His book warns against vices and sloth.

Enjoying Retirement

Dominic Gentile (Photo: liveboldly.org)

Mr. and Mrs. Gentile are both enjoying retirement. They travel and visit their children and grandchildren. Dominic's wife, Cookie, has used her time and resources to run a charity that provides meals and nourishment for underprivileged children. Being diligent and productive in their younger years has helped them enjoy retirement today. The Gentiles are able to give back to the community thanks to their success in their working days.

You need to know the difference between a challenge that’s shaping you and a situation that’s slowly draining you. One builds your future. The other steals it. 

I loved the time I spent with my grandfather. Sometimes, we would just sit outside on his porch or in my parents' backyard. Our conversations ranged from sports to politics to everyday life in my town or his. I remember reading The Tampa Tribune during one of my visits. Everybody's water bill was outrageously high, and the town tried to tell everyone it was because their faucets were leaking. We just laughed. We were a little disappointed with the town, hoping the answer would be a little more creative if they weren't going to actually address it.

The rearview mirror is smaller than the windshield for a reason. We’re meant to look forward, not back.

Just Stories. Sometimes, That's Alright

Me and my grandfather, 2007.

Sometimes my grandfather's stories didn't have lessons or advice. Sometimes they were just anecdotes. My grandfather had stories about growing up, working on the police force, or just about characters he had met working or in retirement. As you get older, you accrue stories that you'll share with people you meet, just like my grandfather did. Dominic has done the same thing, and he is sharing what he has learned with you. One of my favorite chapters is titled "So You Want to be Poor". It's a tongue-in-cheek letter bestowing advice on how to best squander whatever time you have and resources you have worked for and saved up in your life, offering advice on how to best be lazy and do nothing with yourself.

It’s not just about climbing to the top of something; it’s about not sliding into something smaller than you were meant to be. 

Throughout "Live Boldly", you will learn about Dominic and his family. You will also learn how to deal with the challenges life throws at you. Life isn't always going to be easy. You will need to dig deep and struggle in some parts. On the other side of your struggle, you will have a lesson that will help you in another time, and maybe you won't have to struggle so much the next time you are faced with something that may seem insurmountable. We all face problems in our life. Sometimes people help us with deeds, sometimes they help with advice. Dominic's advice is there for anyone who wants it. For Dominic, some of the most important things in life are, "embracing growth, making wise choices, and crafting a life of meaning."

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