August 4, 2024

A 25-Year Blog Journey: Life Lessons from Shortarmguy


Hey there, all you wonderful folks! 

It's your pal, Todd Swank, or Shortarmguy as many of you still remember me.  I'm here with a special update as I celebrate my 25 year anniversary of Blogging and sharing stories, laughs, and life lessons. 

It feels like just yesterday I published my first blog post, "The Legend of Shortarmguy" on shortarmguy.com. 

That was way back in August of 1999.  It was a month after Miss Sheri and I had our twin sons, Luke and Avery.  

That seems like a lifetime ago.  It was before 9/11.  Before Bush V Gore or Obama or Trump.  It was way before Covid and a million other highlights and lowlights of a life spent trying to be a good husband, a good father and just plugging away to work my plan to successfully make it down the path of life.  

My main goal was to find happiness for me and my family along the way.  

Today, our journey continues on ToddSwank.com, and I'm excited to share some new nuggets of wisdom I've picked up along the way. So, buckle up and get ready for some fresh insights from your favorite guy with the unique arms!

A 25-Year Blog Journey: 

Life Lessons from Shortarmguy

  1. Life’s a Sandbox—Play in It: Don’t just sit on the sidelines; dive into the sandbox of life and get messy. Experiment, explore, and remember that the best castles are built from the ground up, one grain at a time. Be the architect of your own story.

  2. Your Weirdness is Your Superpower: Embrace what makes you different. It's your secret sauce, your unique flavor. Don't dilute yourself to fit in—turn up the volume on your quirks and let the world taste the awesomeness.

  3. Comfort Zones are for Suckers: Step out of the bubble. The best stuff happens when you're a little bit scared and a lot curious. Push the boundaries, make mistakes, and learn from them. Growth comes from discomfort.

  4. The Universe Doesn’t Owe You Squat: Life doesn’t hand out participation trophies. You’ve got to hustle, grind, and work for what you want. The universe rewards those who get off their butts and make things happen.

  5. Create, Don’t Consume: Be a creator in a world full of consumers. Whether it’s art, music, ideas, or businesses, put something original into the world. Your unique voice is your gift—unwrap it and share it.

  6. Dance with Uncertainty: Uncertainty is the partner you didn’t ask for but got stuck with at the dance. Learn to move with it, spin it around, and make it work for you. The future is unpredictable—so groove with it.

  7. Failure is Just Feedback: Failure isn't a full stop; it's a comma in your life's sentence. Use it to pause, reflect, and then keep writing your story. Every "no" gets you closer to a "yes."

  8. Be Your Own Hero: Stop waiting for someone to save you. Put on your cape, face your fears, and rescue yourself. Be the protagonist in your epic adventure.

  9. Own Your Story: Your life is your narrative. Don't let anyone else write it for you. Own your past, live your present, and shape your future. The pen is in your hands.

  10. Legacy Over Likes: In a world obsessed with instant gratification, focus on the long game. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Aim to make an impact that lasts longer than a viral tweet.

And remember, the next time someone gives you a funny look, just flash 'em a smile and say, "Hey, I'm not weird; I'm limited edition!"

Dare To Be Different has been my mantra from the beginning, and it’s served me well. 

Life's too short to blend in, so stand out and own your uniqueness.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. 

Here's to more stories, more laughs, and more life lessons. 

Remember, life's not about waiting for the perfect moment; it's about creating your own moments and owning them like the legends you are.

Peace, love, and all that good stuff,

Shortarmguy (Todd Swank)



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