When It's Your Time

OUAT Blog for April 25th

Last week there were a number of notable public figures that transitioned.  The most notable of these was Prince Rogers Nelson, aka "Prince". Much has been spoken of regarding his impact on the music industry, his impact on how we view ourselves as individuals and how important it is to be clear on ones focus in life and not being deterred from achieving your goals.  From his benefit performances and his financial giving, there is so much, and more, that can and will be said of this one man, this Artist.

I established OUAT initially for the sole purpose to preserve historical legacies through video.  I could not help but be profoundly impacted by the overwhelming number of video postings of his performances, as well as the artist’s tributes that were on social media.  Being able to watch, listen and immerse myself back in time and feel the music and have it speak to me, again, was just a surreal and emotionally personal experience.

One overarching and lasting impression I was left with was that through all the tears, smiles and memories relived looking back on this one mans career, seeing those video clips brought me an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, happiness, gladness and joy.  As sad as it is to loose a person, whether or not they were a family member or a close personal friend, having that "celebration of life" video to watch and reflect on was just a powerful example of why we should all seriously consider video documenting our stories.

May the tributes continue. May we all smile and reflect with gladness of how Prince and others, who have passed, have blessed us with their presence during their time with us here. And may we pass on these memories, these tributes, to the coming generations, so they too can celebrate and be touched by the magic that was their life.

Early Childhood Education

Last week I had a meeting with the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to discuss the state of their new preschool, the FrancisEmma Preschool at Belmead. This is a new private school in Powhatan County VA, now open for children between the ages of 3 and 4. The school exists because the Sisters recognized a need within their community to make quality, affordable pre-school education available to the residents of Powhatan and the surrounding counties.

While Once Upon A Time's (OUAT) primary mission is to ensure that our individual and collective histories are preserved and passed on to the coming generations, the concern the Sisters shared with me regarding the state of quality education in their community was very disturbing.

As a parent of a 3 year old I can say that I know personally just how important and impactful early childhood education has been for my own child.  Ryan Victoria has been enrolled in a structured pre-school program since she was 2 and there is no question that she has benefitted greatly from this exposure.

This week OUAT launches its partnership with the FrancisEmma Preschool to help promote early childhood education in Powhatan and Cumberland Counties of Virginia.  As a responsible "Community Partner" I feel that it is now part of my civic duty to do what I can to help aid and assist parents, like me, to expose their children to the benefits of a quality early childhood education. 

It's not only the history we leave for our children, it's also what we impart to them that will bear fruit when they become adults. And that starts with a quality education.

The Owls Nest School in Accra, Ghana

My daughter was enrolled here from the age of 2

Where Motivation Begins

This past week has taught me a great deal about the importance of clear and thoughtful communication as I continue to focus my energies on the success of my business, Once Upon A Time (OUAT).  Thankfully, I had a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining focus on the success of OUAT from a practical point of view and from a personal point of view.

My consultant, 2nd Chance Consulting, whom I highly recommend, reminded me in the most direct and professional way that in order for OUAT to reach it's potential, the details pertaining to deadlines and thoughtful communication are essential.  Being respectful to the time given by others who are  investing into the success of OUAT is what will be the difference between true and lasting achievement or ultimate failure.  Honoring those who are not just clients, but well wishers, sideline supports and those who simple want to see you succeed, are all a part of what makes getting up and going for it a motivation in and of itself.

Excellence is a goal that is attained through hard work, dedication and perseverance. As a former athlete, I know all too well how much sacrafice it takes to become a success on the field of play. As an honors student in college, I understand the value in long hours of study in order to achieve academic excellence as well.  So, in the game, that is my life, I play to win, and by win I mean to achieve through hard work, perseverance and dedication to excellence, for myself, for my clients and ultimately for my daughter who will one day ask me, "Daddy, what do you do and why?".

Here's to another week of dedicated excellence for myself, to my clients and for the continued success of my dream that is OUAT.

The "C" Word Conversation

Last week I had one of those rare moments when I found myself totally preoccupied with something OTHER than what I should have been paying closer attention to... my Dad.

One of the major catalysts behind the creation of OUAT is my father. His backstory of being born and left behind as an orphan in post WWII Germany, and his desire to video document his story is what has become the foundation for my company and is at the heart of its mission.

Several years ago my father was diagnosed with 2nd stage colon cancer. We never really talked in detail about his experience. We talked about the procedure, the recovery and how fortunate he was that all the cancer cells had been removed and that today he is cancer free. So, it was out of the blue that he had this desire to share with me more details about his thoughts, his fears, his regrets and most importantly, his wish that I be be informed "just in case" I was ever faced with the same situation when I got older.

As I reflect on this conversation with my dad, I am reminded just how important it is to take the time to pay attention and fight distractions when our parents are trying to impart something to us, no matter how grown we think we are or how much we think we know.

OUAT is a "change agent" and creates a positive experience for my clients through recording and documenting these moments. Collectively we share experiences that will continue to positively impact our families, our communities and our world. And it all starts with listening and sharing.

Me, Ryan Heathcock, with my dad Virgil Johannes "Kirmess" Heathcock (cancer survivor)

Langobardenstraße, Munich, Germany 2008