So I’ve kept it pretty quiet for awhile, I had to prove to myself I could stick with it. At 47 let’s just say my body didn’t feel like it did even 10 years ago. The aches and pains and tightness when I wake up, Trying to bend over to put my shoes on and sit for too long due to my back issues. However I made a commitment to myself to get my butt back in the gym, change my life style not only outwardly but inwardly. I’m happy to say I have been consistently going to the gym again 5-6 days a week. Completely overhauled my diet, yes I track everything I eat, and I mean everything. While I have not hit my goals yet, my stats are trending in the right direction both in weight loss, body fat and increase in strength and overall wellbeing. Even my blood work is improving. It’s a small win for now, but each time I show up for myself, it’s a win.

Good morning gentlemen, As many of you know I am the CEO of a security consulting firm and executive protection firm. In this line of work it often involves a lot of verbal communication as well as writing communication. And as Director and CEO I proofread and finalize all correspondence, well myself and my assistant director. One thing that I had noticed is that in general communication with my staff as with most people, they tend to use slang words and phrases. Now this might not seem like a big deal to most people; however, it is to me. Why? Because I found out that when my staff talk in this manner they also began to write their communications and correspondences in the same manner. So one day in our weekly staff meeting I brought this up as I have on many different occasions, and I could tell by the expressions that many thought that I was being picky and thought that what I was saying was not accurate until I decided to read some of their reports. And as I read their reports exactly how they wrote them, some were laughing at others paper work and reports until it came to theirs. And the look on everyone’s faces. I told them that your vocabulary is the currency of your intelligence. How you talk is how you communicate on paper and even on the computer or in text. We show are level of intelligence by the words we say and how we express ourselves. The use of slang words and profanity lets people know your level of intelligence. Now I am not saying that you can never use profanity, you shouldn’t but definitely not on a regular basis or every other word. I get it, believe me anyone who had spent time in the military or driving trucks yes it becomes part of your vocabulary and everyday language, but it does not have to be that way. I was raised up in a Christian home and a father who was a minister, then I went into the military and then into law enforcement, so you could imagine when I became a minister the battle to keep those words out of my mind and mouth was. Gentlemen, I am not condemning anyone who say a word of profanity, but I am cautioning you to be mindful of how and when you use it. Also be mindful of the frequency in which you use it. You can easily make it your language as English is to Americans or Japanese’s to people fromJapan. Don’t let your communication become infiltrated with profanity and slang terms. This will affect your personal and professional relationships.

After beginning the journey of changing my outward appearance in clothing, I took it a step further. I’m now in the gym 5-6 days a week. Complete change in the food I consume, started focusing heavily on my health and overall wellbeing. I’m 46 and my body just couldn’t keep up with two kids, a job and all the physical and mental demands of life. It’s better now and I’m continually working on the outside of me, while also addressing things on the inside. I gave up alcohol a year and a half ago and haven’t touched it since. I sleep better, my mental clarity is better and my relationships are better. I think as men we carry so much weight on our shoulders in this life. Don’t give up, keep pressing on, life is a journey

I was thinking of getting this style. At the moment I only have a pair of black oxfords but I plan on buying a brown R.M. Williams boot sometime in the distant future too.

So since joining this community i've done a closet overhaul, mostly transitioned to long sleeve button down shirts and got rid of so many polo's and renewed all my pants and other items. But living in Florida, man it's tough! I'm trying to find that right blend of professional and comfortable clothing and have started to wear more polos lately to work, but it's not the same elevated look i'd like to achieve. I know there's no right or wrong answer per-say, but how do you gents that live in hot climates find a balance