What’s the most special time we can remember having with our dads? What felt most important about spending this time with him?

If we’re also a parent, what are the silliest, most fun times we can recall having with our kids?

Whether we’re physically far from family, regardless of these crazy times we seem to be living in, our dads can always be in our hearts so they’re never far away, especially on days like Father’s Day.

No matter how close or distant we may live from dad, how might we have made some new memories with him this year?

Was it through a video call, an in-person visit, or maybe some kind of surprise? What felt most significant about creating these memories with dad this year?

How might we want to acknowledge other generations of dads in our family like grandfathers, great-grand dads, and even the little boys that may be dads someday? What thoughts come up around the experience of multi-generations celebrating together?

It seems to be a day we highlight the best of times that deepen the love we have for our fathers.

Each year a priceless memory surfaces for me so I hope you won’t mind if I share it.

This day feels bittersweet for me since I lost my dad many years ago way too soon. From the time I was four years old, my dad would take me fishing every weekend early in the morning before the sun would even rise. We would stop at the bait store and then go next door to the coffee shop for hot chocolate and a donut! My dad and I were best buds!

We had a lot of silly, fun times together filled with laughter and love. I could always count on him to have my back and keep me safe, even as an adult. He revived this tradition with my boys, his grandsons, who think back to those special times feeling so loved. It’s been 15 years since the memory-making stopped and the time we shared still feels current. We have been physically distant for a long time, yet I feel as close to my dad as I ever have.

No matter how near or far we are from those we care about, what are other ways we can keep ourselves close? What feelings arise when thinking about this?

If we were our dad, what do we think he might want to experience with his kids and grandkids? How might he feel if we could contribute to making that happen for him?

How might dad feel if we help him plan something special for himself on “ME” Monday®? What might he say if we encouraged him to schedule “ME” time for himself? Self-care can be the gift that keeps on giving, particularly through the memories we can create with them and keep forever.

By implementing a “ME” Monday® routine today, we can improve our overall R.O.I. to have a great today and determine the tomorrow we deserve!