On July 1, 2015, exactly 10 years ago today, I landed in San Diego after a six-month journey around the globe with my family. The decade since has been filled with powerful lessons. I’ve lived most of that time in the digital shadows, rarely sharing publicly here on LinkedIn. There have been incredible highs and humbling lows. My ego has been shattered more times than I can count, and I’ve felt more raw emotion in the past six months than at any other point in my life.
I’ve come to realize I am not who I thought I was. I’m not my ego. I’m not my thoughts. I’m not even my feelings. And perhaps most humbling, I’m not that important. We’re all insignificant in the grand scheme, and yet, we each have the power to make a lasting impact.
Much of the pain on this journey has come from watching my ego unravel. The very things I used to chase in order to feel fulfilled were the same things keeping me from what I truly wanted. It’s a paradox I now wake up to daily, often with a quiet laugh. These days, I’m more in awe of people than ever before. But I’m also drawn to a particular kind of person, and now I understand why.
My path is unique, as is every persons’ on this planet. I’m writing a new book called The Joy Molecule, coming later this summer. It captures so much of what I’ve been learning and how I see the world right now. The book is a collection of stories from individuals that have taught me the lessons that I have needed to learn in order to find my joy. A number of people have challenged my perspective, but I’ve never felt clearer.
Moving forward, I’ll be sharing more about this journey and what continues to unfold. These are extraordinary times, and we have a rare opportunity to live with intention and make a difference. If anything I share resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts, and your story.
What are you working on these days that excites you?