The Space Between The Waves Podcast The F Bucket

The Space Between The Waves Podcast The Old Squirrel

Meanwhile, I built a Tiki Bar many years ago in the shade of a hickory tree, so in the evenings it would offer a little relief from those long, hot summer days spent floating in the pool. That tree was much smaller twenty-some-odd years ago… and over time, I’ve watched it grow, just like I have. Late summer always tells its own story. You can feel fall coming—not by the calendar, but by the squirrels. The earlier they start gathering, the longer the winter tends to be. Not long ago, I was sitting at the Tiki Bar at the start of a new season. Everything was cleaned, set back in place, ready for another summer of memories… when a squirrel climbed up onto the banister right next to me. He had white whiskers, moved a little slower, and didn’t seem bothered by me at all. No rush, no fear… just sat there, taking it all in. He looked around the bar, then over at me… almost like he was saying, “Looks good… thanks for keeping this place going.” I smiled and said, “We’ve seen a lot of nuts come and go, haven’t we?” He turned his head, looking back out across that little slice of paradise… almost like he was saying, “Yeah… we sure have.” He doesn’t come around much anymore… leaving the climbing and collecting to the younger ones now. And I guess that’s how it goes. Time moves, seasons change, and before you know it, you’re not the one doing all the running anymore… you’re the one sitting back, appreciating what’s been built, what’s been weathered, and what’s still standing. So if you’re in the middle of building something… keep going. If you’re in the thick of the climb… stay with it. And if you’ve reached a point where you can sit back for a moment… take it in. Because one day, you’ll look around and realize… you didn’t just pass through life… you helped build something worth remembering. Remember… don’t rush the seasons. There’s value in the growing, the grinding, and even in the slowing down. Have a fantastic day… see you on the radio. Follow along with Tiki Bar Publishing, The Space Between the Waves podcast, and Tiki Man Radio for more good vibes.

The Space Between The Waves Podcast Don't Get Stuck in the Mud

Meanwhile, it’s easy to say rainbows and butterflies are everywhere and if you just trust yourself, everything will work out just fine. But we all know… that’s not always true. In fact, there are more frustrating days than easy ones. Life is complex, and expecting everything to always work out can make those inevitable tough days feel even heavier. It’s exhausting to pretend everything is perfect when it’s not. Acknowledging frustration, anger, or sadness is actually healthier than covering it up with forced optimism. You don’t have to be positive all the time… sometimes just getting through a hard day is a win. With that said, it’s not a good idea to live in the negative either. You’ve got to be careful driving through the mud… or you’ll get stuck in it. It’s about finding that middle ground… traction. You recognize the mud is there so you can navigate it, but you keep your eyes on where you want the wheels to go. If you spend all your energy fighting the rain, you forget to drive. But if you ignore the mud completely, you’ll end up needing a tow truck. Accept that you’re human and bound to make mistakes. Forgive yourself first, then make peace with those you may have wronged. Don’t worry about what you can’t control, focus on what you can. And above all, take ownership of your direction. Remember… don’t get stuck in the mud. The power to guide your life is in your hands. Make the choice today to steer in a direction that inspires you, empowers you, and excites you. Have a fantastic day… see you on the radio. Follow along with Tiki Bar Publishing, The Space Between the Waves podcast, and Tiki Man Radio for more good vibes.

The Space Between The Waves Podcast The F Bucket

Meanwhile, if you’ve ever been to one of The Tiki Bar New Year’s Eve parties, then you already know about the “F” Bucket. It’s something I came up with a long time ago for anyone looking to let go of something…or finally make a change. The idea is simple. You write down whatever it is that’s been weighing on you…a habit, a thought, a situation…fold it up, toss it in the bucket with a dollar, and walk away from it. That dollar? That’s your buy-in. Your way of saying, “I’m serious about this.” And here’s where it gets real. The next time that same problem shows up, you don’t entertain it. You don’t negotiate with it. You simply hold up your hand and say, “I’m sorry…that’s already in the ‘F’ Bucket,” and you move on. It sounds simple…maybe even a little funny…but it’s powerful if you actually follow through. The thing is, I’ve never really called it a New Year’s resolution. It’s not about waiting for some perfect moment on the calendar. It’s about dealing with something right here…right now. Because if you think about it, you don’t need New Year’s Eve to decide you’ve had enough. You don’t need a countdown or a celebration to make a change. You can put something in that “F” Bucket anytime you choose. We just don’t always give ourselves permission to do it. So maybe today’s the day you do. Remember, stop giving your energy to things you can’t control. And as always…go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated. Have a wonderful day…see you on the radio. Follow along with Tiki Bar Publishing, The Space Between the Waves Podcast, and Tiki Man Radio for more good vibes.

The Space Between The Waves Podcast If Your Going Through Hell Keep Going

Meanwhile, Winston Churchill once said, “If you’re going through hell…keep going.” It’s a simple thought, but a powerful one. Because when life gets heavy…when things feel uncertain or even overwhelming…standing still only keeps you there. Forward, no matter how slow, is still progress. Over the years, I’ve had a lot of characters come and go in my life. Some stayed for a season…others were just brief moments, like a passing stranger along this long, strange trip we’re all on. But I’ve come to believe that people show up for a reason. Maybe they help guide you forward…or maybe they simply help you understand exactly where you are. We need people…even if just for a moment. If you’ve ever stood by the ocean at night, you’ve probably seen it…those distant ship lights blinking far out on the water. They move slowly…bobbing back and forth…until, eventually, they fade out of sight. Some ships are just passing through your horizon…never meant to dock…just meant to remind you there’s something beyond where you’re standing. And maybe that’s the point. Not everyone is meant to stay. Some are there to teach you, some to challenge you, and some just to pass by and remind you to keep moving forward. Remember, no matter how tough the waters feel right now…keep going. Your shoreline is out there, even if you can’t quite see it yet. Have a wonderful day…see you on the radio. Follow along with Tiki Bar Publishing, The Space Between the Waves Podcast, and Tiki Man Radio for more good vibes.

The Space Between The Waves Podcast Choices are the Hinges of Destiny

Meanwhile, there are times in life when you feel a little worn down…maybe even off course. Sometimes it comes from choices you wish you could take back, and other times it’s simply life showing up in ways you never saw coming. You think you’ve made all the right moves…then suddenly things shift. A company you believed in closes its doors. A relationship you counted on changes direction. Life brings new beginnings like children, and also moments of hardship like sickness and loss. So much of it reminds you just how little control we really have. It’s been said, “Choices are the hinges of destiny.” And in many ways, life plays out like a game of chess. Every move matters…every decision carries weight. Those choices become the hardware that determines whether the door ahead opens wide…or stays closed a little longer. The thing about chess is, there’s no “undo” button. Once you let go of the piece, the move is final. You can’t go back and change it…but you can always decide what your next move will be. Some people play one move at a time…others play the long game. The difference often comes down to shifting your focus from “What feels good right now?” to “Where will this lead me later on?” No matter what you’re facing right now, or how heavy it may feel…chances are, it will pass. It just doesn’t always feel that way in the moment. Remember, don’t let fear or doubt make your decisions for you. Choose what moves you forward…what strengthens you…and trust that you’ll find your way through. Have a wonderful day…see you on the radio. Follow along with Tiki Bar Publishing, The Space Between the Waves Podcast, and Tiki Man Radio for more