I Get To

Published by

Bassam Salem

June 16, 2024

As I close out this first Father’s Day with both sons as “adults”, I contemplate the power of a particular expression I wish I’d used more often when they were younger: “I GET TO.”

10 years ago, I remember saying things like, “I can’t today because I HAVE TO go to my son’s soccer game” or “I HAVE TO drive 90 minutes for a tournament.”

I wish I’d instead said, “I can’t today because I GET TO go to my son’s soccer game” or “I GET TO drive 90 minutes WITH THE FAMILY for a tournament.”

I GET TO is such a powerful linguistic construct. And I need to use it for everything I can, both at home and at work.

Tomorrow is Monday.
I GET TO drive to the office for a meeting.
I GET TO discuss an important project with my colleagues.
I GET TO eat lunch with a friend.
I GET TO work out after work.

Yes, some things HAVE TO get done, but it’s a privilege that I GET TO do them.

2 responses to “I Get To”

joelmeister

June 16, 2024

You have provided an amazing ability for your boy’s to be able to GET TO do things, you and Anna are amazing parents and as a result of that your children GET TO be the amazing extension of you…

Reply
1. Bassam Salem
  
  June 16, 2024
  
  Thank you for the words of support, JoelMeister. I know you understand this feeling well.
  
  Reply

I’m Bassam

I was born in Egypt, lived in France & England as a child, and came to the United States as a teenager to study Computer Science and Business at the University of Utah. After decades in the tech industry, I’m focused on community, mentorship, and impact.