As I turn another year older and reflect on life so far, the feeling is one of gratitude. I came into the world eager, earlier than expected. I've always had a natural curiosity, wanting to know why are things the way they are. It's with this sense of wonder, questioning, wanting to know and be more that I approach the world.
If I am to continue accomplishing or becoming anything, it will be because of the people in my life that allow me the opportunity. Family has provided the foundation to build a life on. I'm thankful for friends, both old and new. I'm very conscious of the value friendship brings to my life. I realize how much my behaviour and actions are influenced by those I choose to surround myself with. You're the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, and I hope to elevate the people around me as much as they do for me.
I also think there is importance in the capacity to be alone. To be comfortable by yourself, to develop a strong relationship with who you are, to know how you respond, react, recognize your thought patterns. I've spent a lot of time in my head, time with books, building mental models and developing as a thinker. I love to read, to find connections, to see bits of myself in the words of others.
I value simplicity and integrity, especially in the relationships I choose to develop in my life. I prefer to go deep and invest in a few critical connections. Nearly all of my efforts in this regard have been directed to the development of a marriage, a deep relationship with my wife and partner. I view that work as perhaps the most valuable, as it is the support upon which everything else is built. The rewards from that have been beyond anything I could have hoped for.
Thinking this over, I've come to the conclusion that by having the aim of being a great husband, a great son, a great brother, a great friend, all else falls in line. That is enough, that is sufficient. To live well is to give your time and energy where it matters, where it will make the most difference.
Every day before I head out the door, my wife has been reminding me to "bring joy." I think this direction is as good as any to live by.
For a reminder of the finite aspect of life, check out "your life in weeks" on Wait But Why.