05/26/26
STORY
5 years ago, a friend I’ve known for over 25 years passed away.
His name was Michael, but we all called him Nolie.
Nolie was a character, a truly one-of-a-kind personality, and a friend to everyone.
While there are so many great memories I have of him, one memory stands out.
It was 2014, and my father had just passed away suddenly from a heart attack.
I was devastated, our family was distraught, and we felt completely lost.
I can’t remember if it was the day after or a few days later, but I was home still reeling from the loss when the doorbell rang.
It was Nolie.
He didn’t call beforehand, he didn’t text, he just decided to come see me.
We sat in the family room, just the two of us, for over an hour.
He didn’t try to make me feel better.
He didn’t try to fix anything.
He didn’t offer me any advice.
He just sat with me.
He was there for me.
I’ll never forget that.
At a time when I was at my lowest, my friend Nolie helped me by simply being there.
I’m sharing this story about Nolie because today would have been his 40th birthday.
And while I could have shared plenty of other stories about Nolie…
Some of which reveal his hilarious nature and wild behavior lol…
This is the story that reveals how big his heart was.
And I hope that it inspires you to be there for others, especially during difficult times, the way Nolie was for me.
Happy Birthday, Nolie.
Love you, brother.
OBSERVATION
Thought I’d share a different observation this week. I read this article about three teens who stopped to help a man with a flat tire and ended up saving his life. With all the negative news out in the world, it’s refreshing to read about random acts of kindness.
(Anthony Thompson, USA Today, “A man was having a heart attack roadside. These teens saved his life”, May 2026)
STRATEGY
Inspired by my friend Nolie, I invite you to look for opportunities to be there for others.
If someone is going through a hardship…
A difficult season…
Or even something that feels trivial, but they’re struggling with…
Be there for that person.
Avoid giving advice.
Stop trying to fix it.
Just listen.
Be there.
Acknowledge them.
Oftentimes, that’s really what that person needs from you.
Rooting for you,
Jay (inviting you to be there for others)
Global keynote speaker
Host of the “Unstuck” podcast
Drinker of one black coffee a day