Each chapter of my life has been distinctly different, yet certain themes have persisted throughout. In my 20s, I grappled with entrepreneurship, navigated love and relationships, managed tours, and dreamt of adventures like those of my heroes: Anthony Bourdain, David Bowie, and Indiana Jones. Ultimately, I returned, somewhat defeated, to corporate America in pursuit of the “American Dream.”
My 30s brought a resurgence in competition, opening doors to travel and exploration. While maintaining a 9-5 job, I discovered my physical strength and learned to pursue greatness in solitude. Balancing daytime stability with nighttime creativity, writing, and self-exploration, I gained insights into loss, death, love, and the fleeting nature of all great things. Most importantly, I learned that my happiness doesn't stem from comfort and safety. The American Dream, with its tendency to lead people into a state of obesity, misery, and dependency on a manipulative system, is not for me.
As I enter my 40s, I have come to accept certain truths. Change is inevitable, and clinging to the past only breeds a metaphorical disease of death – the death of dreams, health, and a future sacrificed for safety and comfort.
In the past four years, since shedding my former self, I have traveled extensively: visiting five continents, swimming in four oceans, exploring 15 countries, acquiring three properties, opening a free gym, pushing my physical and mental boundaries, losing 100 lbs, establishing two seven-figure businesses, and finding self-love and an understanding of my capabilities.
Change has been a constant in my life. The key lies in embracing each new chapter and being grateful to the previous ones for leading me to where I am now. Everyone I've met has contributed to my journey, teaching me valuable lessons, with failure becoming a trusted ally.
In the words of David Bowie, “I don’t know where I’m going, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
