On today’s show, I’m switching things up a bit. It’s Father’s Day, and I wanted to pay homage to my father, Dan Miller. I recognize how blessed we are to have such a close relationship. I know how rare and beautiful that is.
My father has greatly influenced my life in so many ways. And he continues to every day. As I write this, I’m heading out the door to go to the U2 concert with him. I know it’ll be an epic experience for us both.
The tagline for Inipi Radio is "Let your life speak", which comes from the Quaker philosophy. And it was my father that taught that to me, and lived by example. It’s a great honor to share some stories from our journey, and to reflect back on the powerful influence he’s had on my life. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
HIGHLIGHTS
- My father, Dan Miller, New York Times best-selling author, grew up in an Old Order Mennonite family and culture.
- Rather than completing his thesis for the Ph.D. program at Oxford, he chose to write a book that has now sold over 1.2 Million copies and has been translated into almost ten different languages.
- Even though my brother and father and I all raced at the expert level in BMX (for my whole childhood), we were not raised in a competitive environment. We were taught to appreciate the journey and have fun and not to think about winning or losing.
- The fact that we have to work is often portrayed as a curse of man, but my father has taught us that work is an opportunity to bring joy and purpose into your life.
- My parents always fostered a perspective founded in a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of humanity. Everyone was valued equally, regardless of race, creed, economics, etc.
- My father came from a very conservative, pragmatic culture. Yet when I had an imaginary friend (for much of my childhood) that was very, very real to me, he made space for that. My parents even set a table setting for her at the dinner table.
- Dad has a rough entrepreneurial journey, but it gave him the understanding and foundation to teach others how to navigate that space now.
- In the 80s, he had a fitness center that went south. He lost everything in the auction where it was sold. He was advised to go bankrupt, but he couldn’t stomach hurting all those small businesses that he owed. He always takes the high road. His word is his bond.
- My father was never a dictator. He never raised his voice. He always chooses to lead by example. To set the tone. And to lead more by inspiration than anything else.
- He has always taught us (kids) to dream big. To live like Peter Pan.
- He teaches that we either believe we can or believe we can’t, and either way, we’re going to be right.
- “There are two lasting gifts you can give your children. One is roots. The other is wings.”
- Life is always presenting us with opportunities to learn. Always be teachable.
- My father and I co-wrote a book together, called Wisdom Meets Passion. It was a beautiful experience that I’m forever grateful for.
- I’m also grateful that my father for inspiring me to create this podcast.
- One thing my father and I have always been equally passionate about is…that U2 is the greatest band in the world. And Bono has always been our mutual hero. Still is. (We’re going to see U2 in concert tonight!)
BEST MOMENTS
Let your life speak. If you want to be kind, let your life speak kindness. If you want to be peace, let your life speak peace.
RESOURCES
www.48days.com
www.48days.net
Wisdom Meets Passion