Notes for the Children
Pat Priestner’s life is a testament to the power of making small changes in life in order to heal, inspire and connect. From the lows of heavy drinking, severe anxiety and complete lack of self-compassion to the highs of peace and happiness through personal and professional success, author Pat takes listeners on the full journey of his life, with some remarkable stops along the way. It’s a tale full of eye-opening anecdotes and personal reflections that serve as a guide and inspiration for your own journey no matter your starting point. New episodes every Tuesday. Recorded at Blue Light S...
Forgiveness
In this final episode of Notes for the Children, Pat explores the transformative power of forgiveness, describing it as a rare and invaluable gift that costs nothing but holds immense value.
Drawing on wisdom from Confucius, Martin Luther King Jr., and Oprah Winfrey, Pat shares personal experiences and insights on forgiveness, highlighting its ability to free individuals from internal prisons and cultivate healing. He emphasizes the strength and resilience required for forgiveness and its profound impact on personal growth and relationships.
Join as to learn more about understanding, practicing and reaping the benefits of forgiveness in...
Gratitude
In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat explores the profound impact of gratitude on happiness and overall well-being, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Highlighting the research-backed benefits of gratitude, he emphasizes its role in enhancing self-esteem, promoting psychological well-being, and reducing the likelihood of depression. He stresses the transformative nature of gratitude, making individuals more resilient, less envious, and fostering healthier relationships.
Join us as Pat shares his personal journey, affirming that living in a state of gratitude has significantly improved his life, making it less stressful, mor...
Parents
In this heartfelt episode of Notes for the Children, Pat delves into the pivotal role of parents, shedding light on the challenges and profound responsibilities that come with this crucial role.
Reflecting on the lack of formal training for parenting, he emphasizes the need to empathetically understand our parents' experiences, considering the historical context and personal struggles they faced. He urges listeners, especially his children, to walk in their parents' shoes before passing judgment.
With candid admissions of personal mistakes and insights into his parenting journey, Pat acknowledges the complexities of being an excellent parent.
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Resilience
In this compelling episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner explores the pivotal role of resilience in the demanding world of automotive retail, drawing on his experiences spanning 2,496 weeks of being judged solely on sales performance. He intertwines insights from philosophy and psychology, emphasizing the constant evaluation faced by professionals in the industry.
Pat underscores the critical nature of resilience in navigating the relentless pressure and competition, drawing parallels with Michael Jordan's career setbacks. With anecdotes and lessons from his training sessions, he highlights the importance of overcoming negative thoughts, believing in personal capabilities, and embracing ad...
Guilt
In this insightful episode of Notes for the Children, Pat candidly shares his struggles with guilt. Reflecting on the profound impact it had on his life, he delves into the emotional turmoil and shame he carried for decades. He provides a cautionary tale to his children, emphasizing the need to understand and confront the roots of guilt.
Drawing from personal experiences, he discusses the destructive nature of prolonged guilt, offering practical advice on breaking free from its grip. Touching on the influence of upbringing and religion, Pat encourages honesty, kindness, and self-awareness as tools to navigate guilt's c...
Leadership
In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner shares valuable insights on leadership, happiness, and navigating life's challenges in his heartfelt and practical notes to his children.
In the realm of leadership, Pat emphasizes the importance of understanding that everyone needs something each day and offers key elements to provide, such as attention, respect, and gratitude. Reflecting on his experiences, he highlights the significance of treating team members with dignity and the pitfalls of hierarchical leadership.
Throughout, he underscores the personal cost of leadership, acknowledging the higher commitment and sacrifice it entails. Ultimately, Pa...
Happiness
Join Pat Priestner for this episode of Notes for the Children as he unravels the simple joys and profound lessons that lead to true happiness. Drawing on personal anecdotes and poignant quotes, he reflects on the core elements essential for a fulfilling life. From the importance of cherishing a life partner to finding delight in small pleasures like ice cream, the podcast imparts valuable life advice.
Pat shares insights on the symbiotic relationship between happiness and suffering, echoing Buddhist teachings on the necessity of balance. He encourages listeners to be mindful of their emotions, work towards minimizing s...
Suffering
In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner explores the inevitable aspect of human existence—suffering. Drawing from profound quotes, personal experiences, and the teachings of philosophers and spiritual leaders, he addresses the universality of suffering.
Pat delves into the hazards of reliving past suffering, urging individuals to break free from this cycle. Thich Nhat Hanh's wisdom on embracing familiar suffering is highlighted, providing a compassionate approach to self-care.
Join us to learn about the impermanence of suffering and the role of mindfulness in understanding and alleviating suffering.
Consistency
In this impactful episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner shares timeless wisdom on cultivating daily habits that lead to success and fulfillment. He emphasizes the profound impact of daily routines on shaping one's destiny and achieving excellence.
The podcast explores the importance of going the extra mile, focusing on the little things that make a difference, and the transformative power of consistent, positive habits. Pat advocates for a habit of continuous learning, echoing the teachings of philosophers like Gandhi, Aristotle, Seneca, and Epictetus.
Join us to hear how self-discipline, resilience, and the daily pr...
Focus
In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner shares crucial insights into the power of focus in both professional and personal realms. Drawing from his early experiences as a sales manager, he emphasizes the significance of maintaining focus during work shifts. Pat underlines the choice individuals have between putting in an all-out effort, focusing on success, and making a half-hearted attempt that might lead to disappointment.
The narrative expands to include lessons learned from an early mentor about the importance of workplace focus, likening it to racehorses wearing blinders. Join us to hear Pat’s how...
