Be Au Sm: The Power of Kindness and Living Your Legacy

A couple of weekends ago, Coleen and I visited Campbell in Richmond. We had some great meals, spent quality time together, and took in a University of Richmond men’s basketball game. The Spiders lost, but we had fun, and it was great to be back at the Robins Center.

When Campbell was the team manager, we had some pretty sweet seats. Half the time, we watched the coaches and players interact rather than the game itself. It’s a fascinating way to experience a game—seeing the strategy, leadership, and relationships unfold in real-time.

Resnicks at Senior Night, the Robins Center

Listening to Your Gut

Anytime we went out to dinner with my dad, he’d ask, “So, what looks good?” He did this for as long as I can remember, but after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it took on a new meaning. A long menu can be overwhelming for someone with cognitive decline, so he’d often order whatever we were having. It was easier that way.

I don’t ask that question to my table, but my family knows I love asking the server for recommendations. You’d be surprised how honest they are. Most of the time, I follow their suggestion. But when I don’t, I usually regret it and say, “I should have gone with my first choice.”

How many times have you thought that to yourself?

It’s funny how often our gut instincts lead us in the right direction. But why do we ignore them? Research suggests that intuition combines past experiences and subconscious pattern recognition. It’s not magic—it’s our brain processing information faster than we realize.

For young adults, ignoring their gut often comes down to peer pressure. They don’t want to be different or stand out. That’s why we tell our kids when they head out for the night, “Make good decisions”—as if they’d intentionally choose bad ones. But sometimes, they do. We all do.

A Missed Moment for Kindness

On the plane ride home from Richmond, as we landed and passengers started gathering their things, a guy a few rows up had a problem. His carry-on was stored a few rows behind him, and he politely asked if someone could pass it up.

That’s when a woman scoffed. “Really? C’mon, dude, you’re just going to have to wait.”

Coleen and I exchanged glances. Wow. That was harsh.

I wanted to step in. My gut told me to say, “It’s not a big deal—can someone help him out?” But I didn’t.

It was a small thing, and he eventually got his bag. But it bothered me that I kept quiet.

Living Your Legacy with G.R.A.C.E.

With my new book, Be Au Sm: The Essential Elements to Living Your Legacy with G.R.A.C.E., coming out next month, I’ve been reflecting on these small moments—how simple it is to make someone’s day and how easily we let those opportunities slip by.

You may have seen me post about the book or even voted on the final cover design. Writing it with my friend and co-author, Josh Peach, was an incredible experience. Seeing the world through his lens was eye-opening. Even though we share similar beliefs on life and legacy, I’m using his words and style to express them.

Josh challenges the traditional way most of us view Legacy. Quite simply, we don’t leave a legacy—we live one. And without gratitude, resilience, action, consistency, and empowerment, living a legacy that truly makes an impact is hard.

Think about the small moments in your daily life—when a kind word, a smile, or a simple gesture can shift someone’s day for the better. These actions might feel inconsequential to you but to someone else? They might mean everything.

That’s what I love about Josh’s message of living your legacy with G.R.A.C.E. You don’t need wealth, privilege, or a fancy degree to live this way. You don’t need a particular skill set. It’s a mindset—one that can transform your life, your career, and your relationships.

The book isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about action. (And yes, our friend Santa Claus is writing the Foreword. How cool is that?!)

Santa Claus is photographed Sunday afternoon December 6, 2020 in North Pole, Alaska. (Photo by Eric Engman as printed in the Anchorage Daily News)

A Commitment to Kindness

Next time, I will speak up for the guy whose bag is stuck a few rows back. It costs nothing to be kind.

Look around as you go about your day. Whether you’re in the morning coffee line, sitting in traffic, or out to dinner—there are moments everywhere where you can make someone’s life a little easier.

Kindness isn’t complicated. It doesn’t take a grand gesture. It’s a choice we make moment by moment.

I’m excited to share Josh’s story with the world. I hope to have the pre-order details ready soon. Until then, if you can be anything…Be Au Sm.