Welcome

Hi, I’m Preston Hagaman, a normal guy with an obsession for reading, learning and helping others. On this blog, I share reflections on what I’m learning and life.

“Our actions may be impeded,” Marcus Aurelius said, “but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our actions. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

These words did not appear in a masterful literary work, or any writing meant for public consumption. Marcus Aurelius wrote these words to himself in a journal of sorts. He had this peculiar habit of writing letters to himself. 

I’m not sure if he thought of them as letters or notes, but the fact remains that he captured important lessons, reminders, and more in this way.

He put pen to parchment, or whatever instrument of writing prevailed in A.D. 130 or so. Marcus Aurelius may have known his writing would attract attention following his death or he may not. When he wrote these words however, he penned them to an audience of one, himself.

In one way or another this project serves as an emulation of his efforts. It at least attempts to embody the core of his efforts. The collect thoughts, lessons learned, and pen reminders pointing towards the person I am striving to be and become.

I invite you to come along for the ride. The problems faced and lessons learned are not unique to one person. They are part of the common human experience. We have more in common than we tend to think.

It won’t be pretty. The process rarely is. But it will hopefully serve to meet its end. An end resulting in much growth of the mind, character, and soul.

A snippet of my story

I've spent my entire life in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and wouldn't have it any other way. While I traveled a bit in college, the thought of leaving Big D never crossed my mind. Some people dream of graduating and moving to a big city like New York, Boston or Chicago, but not me. My dream has always been to live and die in the great state of Texas.

"As an only child," Charles Johnson said, "books became my replacement for siblings." I've had a love for books, learning and writing from my earliest days.

I met a beautiful blonde named Hannah while working as a recruiter following college. After dating for a short time we married in 2012.   

We live in the Dallas area with our son and two golden retrievers. I'm a former college recruiter and banker, and spend my time reading, writing and teasing out what I'm learning.

I'm also a wedding photographer with Cottonwood Road Photography. We're closing in on our 100th wedding! If you're interested in having us photograph your big day, your family or your new baby, check out our website.

Stay in touch

I hope this blog encourages, inspires and challenges you to take steps towards doing awesome things. If it does, send me a note. I’d enjoy hearing from you. The best way to stay in touch with me is to subscribe to my newsletter. It’s chalked full of weekly posts, encouragement and free goodies. Sign up below: