“Bravery is the choice to show up and listen to another person,
be it a loved one or perceived foe, even when it is uncomfortable, painful,
or the last thing you want to do.”
- Alaric Hutchinson

When I joined the U.S. Navy, I signed up for voluntary inspection. See, when I was in high school, I selected Army J.R.O.T.C as an elective. I didn't feel I was musically inclined so I didn't choose band, nor that athletic so I avoided any sports; except golf if you can call that a sport (just kidding golfers!) As a part of J.R.O.T.C we subjected ourselves to inspections every Wednesday. Everything was checked from the top of our head to the sole of our feet. The inspectors looked for anything that was out of place, unpolished brass, ribbons not in the proper order, clean and well pressed uniform, the list goes on. They even inspected the way we marched and our knowledge. Every year they would hold an Annual Formal Inspection (AFI) for the entire battalion (composed of 6 companies) which was an intense 8 hours in the Texas heat. 

So by the time I entered the Navy I had a good idea what was expected only this time, it was taken a notch up. Not only was the above inspected on a regular basis so was your living quarters. Every day in boot camp, the Chief Petty Officer and his assistant would inspect your locker and bed to ensure we was up to snuff. After boot camp, up another notch, they inspected your rooms while in school. A team of inspectors would check from the floor to the ceiling and anything in between. 

It made me think, who signs up to be inspected voluntary on a regular basis? Why would you do that? While unpleasant and uncomfortable at times, it's something I've kept with me to this day. If someone were to come into my home and inspect it would I pass the way I did while serving in the Navy? If someone inspected my car would it pass? While I don't advocate anyone subject themselves to this level of inspect, I do believe it to be wise to have a team of advisors you can turn to and allow them to inspect your life from time to time. Inspections are a great way to evaluate where you are and to provide you with the picture of where you need to be. 

Ponder on this and would love to hear any thoughts you have...