There’s a unique magic in stepping away from the daily grind and reconnecting with our history.
Many of us take trips to escape, have fun, and explore new passions—whether camping,
traveling, or pursuing hobbies. We often think we know exactly what the experience will bring,
but sometimes, unexpected moments enrich and improve our lives. These moments fill our
souls, reminding us of the history that shapes us.
This is precisely what’s happening to me right now. As many of you who read my newsletters
and follow me on social media, I grew up in a small farming community where hunting was not
just a hobby—it was a way of life. It fed us, kept animal populations balanced, and gave me a
deep connection with nature. That history shaped me, an still today, every December, I find
myself longing for hunting season. It’s a connection that goes deeper than the sport itself. It
brings peace amid life’s chaos, a calm I find in reconnecting with my roots.
Hunting has been a polarizing subject over the years. Some people don’t understand it, and
others may disagree. But whether or not you share the same passion, we all have histories that
shape us, and revisiting them can be a powerful way to restore peace, health, and happiness.
For me, it begins with the dove hunt. These birds, which exist in the billions, mark the start of
the season. Early mornings, with breathtaking sunrises and moments of calm, become a time to
create memories with friends and family. It’s an experience beyond hunting—it’s about
connecting with nature and each other. Those memories fill the soul and remind us why we
keep coming back.
This year, my wife Pat and I traveled to Mexico to relive that magic with El Dorado Outfitters,
where we met new friends like Paul, José, and Jaime. It’s a place that feels like something out
of a dream, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tucked away on a large lake, 50
miles inland from the Gulf coast, the lodge is steeped in history. Once a playground for the rich
and famous, complete with helicopter pads and a private runway, it now stands as a testament
to the beauty of simplicity and history.
It’s not about luxury here. It’s about finding that quiet, that magic in the landscape, the millions of
doves that fill the sky, and the chance to reconnect with what truly matters. You’re greeted with a
cold drink and a sense of calm as soon as you arrive, and it only gets better from there. The
lodge is designed to help you disconnect from technology, tap into your human instincts, and
immerse yourself in the surroundings.
This trip reignited my passion for hunting and the peace it brings me yearly. It reminded me that
listening to your history—whether it’s through a childhood tradition, a place that holds special
memories, or a hobby that makes you feel alive—is essential to staying grounded, healthy, and
connected to who you are. My history tells me I’m better when I take this time, and I know that’s
true.
My youngest son, who studied history in college, often says, “We’ve lived this before.” Listening
to him talk about leaders, rulers, and civilizations from the past is fascinating because it reminds
me of how much we can learn if we pay attention to history. Whether it’s leadership lessons or
personal challenges, there’s always a lesson to be found in the past. It’s the ultimate guide for
navigating life’s challenges, reminding us that the things we face aren’t always new—they’ve
been faced and overcome before.
This trip has done that for me. Waking up before dawn to head out for the sunrise hunt at El
Dorado Outfitters feels like a walk through my younger days. It’s not just about reliving the past,
though. It’s about learning from it, growing from it, and becoming better for it. This place has
magic, reminding me of the power of pausing, listening, and embracing history lessons.
Whether you’re a hunter or not, the message is the same. Whether you collect rocks, hunt for
fossils, or travel to far-off places, do it. Reconnect with your passions and rediscover your
history, and you’ll find that it holds the answers to many of the challenges we face. It will show
you that the hills you climb today have been climbed by those who came before you.
History is the ultimate guide—not just to understanding the world but to understanding yourself.
So, get out there. Relive, reconnect, and reignite your passions. It will make you healthier,
happier, and more at peace with the world around you. And if you’re ever looking for a place to
start, I can’t recommend El Dorado Outfitters enough. It’s a place where history, passion, and
peace come together in a way that truly makes you better for having been there.