Lessons from the Road: Words of Wisdom From My Brother

 

In January, I lost my brother and only sibling, Michael F. O’Neill, to a combination of heart disease and cancer. A published author of the book Road Work: Images and Insights of a Modern Day Explorer and a professional photographer for 40+ years, Michael combined his two passions of photography and extended motorcycle road trips in his book and Roadcraft USA website.

 

In 2022, Michael asked me to read a draft copy of Road Work prior to its publication and I read it like a former four-decade academic. I focused on grammar and typos, formatting, and consistency. 

A month after he died, I re-read my brother’s book as a sister and focused on insights into the soul of a departed loved one. While Michael did not want bulleted take-aways or action steps in his book (as I had advised), I realized that the book contains valuable life lessons for all of us.

Below are six key insights from Road Work with a few financial planning parallels, of course:

 

Proficiency Takes Time- While Michael was talking about motorcycling, this insight applies to most anything in life. As he notes, “It takes proper training, lots of practice, and lots of experience…before you’re ever going to be your best…the lessons learned never end and each one adds something new to your inventory of skills while fueling your passion for even more.”

 

Planning is Important- This applies to a motorcycle trip, the purchase of a motorcycle, or any other bucket list item. Michael wrote the following: Every great road trip I’ve taken…started off with a little bit of dreaming and a lot of planning. The internet enables the avid traveler [and those planning any other future financial goals] to plan things in greater detail than ever before.”

 

Stereotypes Are Limiting- What Michael wrote about motorcycle rides also applies to life in general: “Though stereotypical descriptions could easily have been assigned to every single person [at an event for motorcyclists]…it’s much more fun when…you don’t limit your exposure to other people based upon assumptions that are probably wrong to begin with.”

 

Goals Are Motivating- Michael’s words say it all, whether the goal is a motorcycle road trip, a college degree, a promotion, or anything else: “I believe that it is important…imperative even…to set ambitious and challenging goals for yourself. They keep you motivated and focused; and help build the faith, will power, and perseverance needed to achieve the objects of your desire.”

 

Gratitude Trumps FOMO- Another direct quote: “People would do much better to express gratitude for the great things they have in their lives rather than be bitter about, or jealous of, things they haven’t achieved yet….The deeds, exploits, and achievements of others are their own…not yours. The only thing that matters is your own personal satisfaction and happiness.”

 

Life is Short- Michael advised readers to “do it (a long postponed road trip) now” and added “Find the one thing that really lights you up…the one thing you’re really passionate about…and pursue it fervently. Now. Today. While you still can. Every day is a gift and people should strive to make the most of each and every one they’re blessed with. Live each and every day as if it is your last.”