Project Inspiration: Jacke “Dad” Carr

As I dig deep and look into who I really am, I look into who I invest my time with and how they have moved me in what I have called Project Inspiration.

I wanted to take this time to tell you how my father, Jacke Carr has inspired me and been a part of my life evolution, from the very beginning. You probably have one of these:  the do-anything-for-you-coach-all-your-little-league-teams-loudest-dude-in-the-crowd-fun-loving father.  Let’s compare notes…

Dear Dad,

You are the beginning.  There from the first breath, to the first step, at the first softball game, to the first car wreck, from college good bye to the roadtrip to California.  You’re my guy, Dad.

What I want to let you know is that who you are has and continues to shape who I am everyday.

You say ‘I love you’ every single time we hang up the phone.  Every time.  And knowing I am truly loved and cherished by my father is a gift no one else can give to a child.  Knowing you are loved unconditionally instills confidence, enables possibility, and empowers choice.  Thank you, Dad.  I commit to one day make my children feel the exact same way.

Softball, basketball, all the sports –  you are my head coach.  You taught me the skills, you taught me teamwork, and you taught me how to be a leader.  Thank you for being my coach on and off the playing field.  Who you are as a leader inspires me, drives me and keeps me seeking for greatness in myself and those around me.

Oh, how I hate to disagree with you.  You are such a passionate person which colors you such a vibrant human being.  That stubborn spark inspires me to be passionate in all areas of my life and fight the good fight.

You and Mom’s relationship is one for the books.  You are there for her, you love her endlessly, and you are her ultimate adventure.  I am inspired by you in that space, and I hope Chris and I will continue to celebrate life  just as you and Mom rock out your relationship.

Always up for an adventure, you are never one to sit on the sidelines of life.  Thank you for making sure I never take life too serious, that I am always up for a good time and for letting me get in trouble.  You are the life of the party.  Always.

I cannot imagine being a Dad to three girls ranging in ages of 27 to 13, but somehow you keep your cool.  I know you inspire A LOT of people out there with this one.  But for me, your ability to relate in the midst of tears, how you tolerate all the drama that is sisters, and maintain your dude-like and oh-so-macho dad-like character is the ultimate.   When given a life full of ladies that you might not have expected, you sure have done a great job raising radical kids.  Keep up the good work.

And last but not least, your laugh.  When I look back at those life moments that really move you, my favorite memories are filled with you and in the front seats of a mini van doing SNL impressions, pretending to eat the moon made out of cheese, and all of a sudden we are both laughing until the tears flow behind our glasses.  That whole-hearted laughter that moves you, shakes you to the present moment.  That ability to be present, laugh until you cry with your daughter and enjoy life reminds me that life is actually about the moments shared.  Slow down and laugh until you cry.

Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for loving me, Dad.  Thank you for inspiring me everyday to be confident in my choices, a leader in my own life, to take in the moments, expect the unexpected and be awesome.

As you continue to rock in this life, keep being who you are. And I promise that I will do the same.

Your Inspired daughter,

Jacki Carr

Dad and his girls

Dad being the “dad”

Mom & Dad

Adventure: Cycle and Yoga w/ Dad!

On recent home trip home to Houston, I spent some quality time with good ol’ Dad. We usually do some athletic activity together, be it a trip to the gym, a run or a bike ride; it is kind of our thing.

One thing hard about living far away from your family – especially with one as radical and quite comical as mine, is all the fun things you ‘could’ do if you lived closer. Working out w/ Dad, family cookouts – my Dad is a grill master, pretending to be a teen again with my little sis, pretending to be in college again with my middle sis….the list goes on and on.

But on this trip, my Dad and I went for a bike ride in the sweltering and muggy environment that is Houston, TX. We rode down to the bike path near our house and really sweat it out!

Now, here’s the deal with biking and quality time. You have all these gears to work with, you are out of breathe, and for me, I have to concentrate on the road and handlebars as to not FALL off! Coming from my beachcruiser days in CA, the tighter handlebars and smaller frame was quite the change.  So, Dad and I went for this ride – and what it became was that silent support!  So I would lead and then Dad would lead. He was going for resistance w/ higher gears, I was going for speed and cardio in a lower gear. It made for a gnarly workout and one that allowed for little conversation and bonding. However, when I looked up at my Dad on our numerous water breaks – not ONLY did we have one matching lululemon athletica tops (not planned) but it was just that joy of being together. Just me and Dad, hitting the bike trail!

We got home and parked the bikes and I enrolled  my Dad to stretch it out in a nice little Surya Namaskar A. We set up our yoga mats by the pool and went to work!

It was just a great morning with Dad. I am so thankful to have a cool Dad and an amazing family that will partake in my adventure-seeking, fun and beautifully balanced life. The rest of the day was spent together with the whole crew – we had a friendly (somewhat competitive) game of water volleyball, watched a movie and sent me on my ways back to Chicago.

A perfect family adventure.