“I Will Find a Way, or I Will Make One!”
Inquisitive. Reflective. Eclectic.
Each of us possess a unique combination of affinities, aversions, and aptitude emulsified through a delicate blending of nature and nurture. We are similar to snowflakes in that no two humans in history share the same chemical composition or experiences. Our stories are unequivocally unique. It is this exclusivity that makes each of us compelling. My hope is that the journey I am on is interesting enough for you to follow.
I am in the midst of a rebirth. Risk-averse tendencies consumed me. They drove my thoughts, influenced my behavior, and limited my potential. I refuse, however, to allow them to control my life.
A quick search using ‘The Google’ to define success returns with, “The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.”
Simply stated, do you achieve what it is that you set out to? Affluence, excess, and opulence aren’t mentioned. While I have an extreme appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry, I needed to decide what was important; possessions or people? Which should prevail; funds or family? Should I invest solely in those I lead, or devote an equal amount of time experiencing those I love?
A dozen years ago, I was blessed to join an organization that aligned with my values. They focused on the details that produce excellence and disrupted many industries in the process. We were never first. We were always best. Content distribution and devices to consume it, mobile and personal computing, gaming, health, telecom, finance, wearables, and retail changed radically once we arrived. Despite the pride I felt in working for the world’s most-admired brand, something was missing. I yearned for more.
“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” — Unknown.
This spoke to me. I worked before work, at work, and after work. The expectations were that I was plugged in, turned on, and always accessible. I lived in a perpetual state of trying to get ahead or attempting to catch up. Good enough, wasn’t.
Anxiety is corrosive. It eats at you mentally, emotionally, and physically. It breeds unhealthy behaviors. It creates distance. You overthink, over-examine, over-critique. Fatigue is a battle you fight every day. Despite the symptoms, you persevere. You fight to continue, but eventually, it wins.
Laying in bed, my mind was consumed by awaiting tasks. I was still, but my heart raced. 169. 62. 189. 56. 164. 66. My watch buzzed and illuminated, “Irregular Heart Rhythm Observed.” After multiple exams, it was an anomaly. I was fortunate this time. To avoid a relapse, a seismic shift in my priorities was clearly needed.
This was a problem I had to tackle holistically. A career change wasn’t enough. I needed a multifaceted adjustment to my life. I required a complete mind, body, and spiritual overhaul.
Self discovery. Consume everything in moderation. Permanent commitment.
What brings me joy? Does a child-like curiosity still live inside me buried under the muck of responsibility? How do I unlock passions that I had as a youth and reintegrate them into my life? Where do I harvest the discipline to improve my health and sustain it over time? Why is this different than other episode or season where my obsessive-compulsive tendencies returned?
The answer was simple. This was a departure from the past, because I believed it. I am determined to change my trajectory, and I am blessed with a supportive family that will galvanize me when I have doubts.
This venue will be used to chronicle my journey. I promise to be transparent, hoping to help others find harmony in their personal and professional lives. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. There isn’t a finish line! I can never stop. I’m building my endurance for the long haul!
“If you are sitting around waiting on someone to save you, to fix you, to even help you, you are wasting your time because only you have the power to take responsibility to move your life forward.” — Oprah Winfrey
Verum Meam 