Perseverance: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement.

I think this definition should have my face next to it, and I’m sure many others who are fighting their own personal battles.  No one can ever accuse me of not having perseverance.  Ambition and perseverance are at my core.

But, it’s not to say there hasn’t been discouragement!  I mean, even though a failure can be a learning experience – a chance to move forward with greater armament – it’s still discouraging (at least for a little while).

Whatever I have wanted to do in life (or at least “thought” I wanted to do), I have done.  Things don’t always go the way I imagine.  You see, I’m a big dreamer.  I’ll create a whole imaginary world where circumstance always plays into my hand, yielding perfect results.  However, often what happens is nearly the complete opposite of my dream.  The point is, that’s OK!

How do I cope with the disappointment, you ask?  By persevering.  Because the very next step is to alter or create a new dream.  It makes life more interesting!  You see, there’s a lot of things I want to do and see – none of which can be accomplished if I give up.  I always say, “You can’t go left or right if you never back out of the driveway!”

Swimming against the tide is never easy!  But in my dream, everything works out, remember?  So until that glorious day, whether it be when I’m 32 or 62, I WILL keep swimming.

I would encourage you to teach this to your kids – forge this as a core value.

If you do this, I promise you two things: 1) Your child’s persistence will drive you up a wall; and 2) Your child may just achieve an impossible dream.

Until that day comes, keep…

Swimming against the tide!

Capt. Tommy

This past weekend, Virginia Beach held its 36th Annual Neptune Festival. Despite off and on rain on Friday and Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people turned out to stroll the boardwalk.  Tommywants was there handing out free crab tattoos to the kids (and some adults).  The idea was a success!  People fell in love with the crab, particularly the kids.  It was so awesome to see an initially scared little child light up and smile when they finally saw the crab on their arm or hand.  The crowd seemed to come in waves; it seemed that when we would start putting a tattoo on one child others would line up right behind them.  This brings me to the purpose of this post.

Many of the parents and kids asked us what the name of the crab was!  On the spot, we came up with “Jimmy,” which I don’t particularly like too much.  So, to remedy the identity crises of our little crab, we are holding a naming contest!  Now through October 31, we will solicit your child’s suggested name for our endearing little crab.  If your child’s suggested name is selected, we will send them one of our Sofshell polos and a belt (kids ages 5 & up).  In addition, we will donate $25 to Blood:water Mission (1$ = clean drinking water for a YEAR) and feature them on the site!  More about our partnership with Blood:water Mission will be forthcoming in an additional post.  We are really excited about this mission!

So, spread the word and have some fun.  Your participation will directly affect a child in need!

*Email all suggested names to mayday@tommywants.com.  Be sure to to put the following in the “Subject” line: “RE: Name that Crab.”

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Today I’m introducing a feature on the blog entitled “Beacon’s of Hope.”  Beacon’s of Hope will be a “spotlight” on amazing kids that are true examples of shining light in an otherwise increasingly dark world.  The post will include a picture of the child (wearing a Tommywants Polo and/or belt of course!), as well as a brief synopsis of what makes them so bright!

It will come as no surprise that our first Beacon of Hope is our own daughter, Haley.  It only seems fitting, as she helped to inspire the brand.

Haley is an AMAZING girl…bright, beautiful, creative, spiritual.  Haley has made the Honor Roll every year of her young life, receiving an academic achievement award in the 4th grade.  Her beauty is evident.  She looks even more beautiful in our Sofshell Polo and Marker Belt (as shown).  Her creativity (and perseverance) is legendary.  Ever since I can remember she has been making things.  I’ve never met a kid that begs for cardboard boxes so she can make something.  She has created everything from dog houses to “play worlds” for her animals.  She is fluent in all aspects of iLife (an Apple girl).  Oh, and did I mention she creates a new idea for a business every couple of weeks.  I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in life.  I’m so proud of her.

Nominate your child to be a Beacon of Hope.  Send us a photo of your child wearing Tommywants apparel, along with a brief synopsis of what makes their light shine.  Email all nominations to mayday@tommywants.com.  Don’t have any Tommywants apparel?  Throw some in your “bushel basket” here.  Until then, keep…

Swimming against the tide,
Capt. Tommy