I’m sitting at Barcelona International Airport overcome with gratitude. They say our parents ambition is for us as children to be better off than they were. I don’t think I ever felt that fully until now. I have been able to see the world in a way my folks never could, and I’m deeply gratiful.
Travel
It’s never been easier to see the world. We sit at our desks and day dream about our next trip. I have the profound good fortune to be penning this from Barcelona. My first time to the city, and I have been blown away by the kindness of the people, the traditional architecture and the jaw droopingly good food. My overwhelming though is: travel more, look up more, capture it and document it where possible.
The Storm
You have bene there. And you will find yourself there again.
The world seems to be caving in. And it’s all too much.
Truth is - when you step back - much like a lightning storm - it will pass.
Happiness
I was told this morning that our happiness is directly relative to those around us.
I think it’s true - but don’t let it be.
Don't Spoil The Relationship
When you start out, they say “do it for less, build the relationship and you will be rewarded down the line“. I have seen this to be true in business. However, in actual fact, there is no guarantee we will be here tomorrow, next week or the week after, so is it actually wise? Should we always play the long game?
Local = Better
Interestingly, we buy local because we believe it’s of better quality. But is it actually?
More Of What You Are
It struck me this morning chatting to a friend that almost everything in life should be more of what it is. He has been going on dates and dressing up. This isn’t a true reflection of who he is. If he wants to find a suitable partner, he is best to dress as he feels comfortable. Not as he feels he should. This should then deter hose who are are only into him for who he actually is.
This is also true for companies. They are at their best when they are more of who/what they are. Standing out for their differences rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
““different is better than better””
Dogs
I was walking a wonderful canine called Benji this morning. I noted that he went from frustrated and alittle low when I picked him up from the flat. To wildly extatic when I took that lead off in the park. Were we not all meant to be outside, in nature, running free? And people wonder what they are unhappy indoors. There must be a correlation.
When The Shit Hits The Fan
Show up.
Those Times
I was on a plane this morning from London to Berlin. And I started thinking about the previous trip I made to the city. I had a great time - met some great people and ate some great food. But most of the memories had gone.
It was a sad realisation that a lot of those times we enjoy only disappear. All we can do is hold them tight in the moment.
Mediation And Distraction
I recently started using the Sam Harris “Waking Up” ‘meditation app. I know what you’re thinking “here we go, another evangelical meditator”. Truth is, I like it - and it may not be for you.
A thought arose after this mornings session. The idea that in mediation you aren’t actually doing anything. That you in fact ceasing to do the thing that keeps you distracted - lost in thought, unaware of what’s appearing in each moment.
On Loneliness
“Loneliness is to be avoided - but solitude is to be sought’. Tom Hanks
Just Do It
I’m not the best writer. That’s why this page exists. I need to do it regularly to get better. We all need to do things regularly to get better. Just do it.
It Takes Time
I recently moderated a panel In front of an audience. People said they enjoyed it - but one or two gave constructive feedback. I didn’t feel as though I could have given anything more on the evening. But it struck me that it takes time. I need to do it again and again and again to get better. I then stopped beating myself up as much. Just an interesting insight.
The Habring² Perpetual-Doppel
I love this watch. And here is why:
The couple who made it, Richard and Maria Habring are amongst the nicest people you will ever meet. Based in Austria. They have huge pedigree in the watch world.
This chrono is 43mm In stainless steel. And look at it. It’s not a watch you’re likely ever to see in the wild (they make very few - like in the hundreds). .
The domed sapphire crystal coated with anti-glare on both sides / the rose gold numerals and sunken register / the diamond cut rose Gold plated hands and blue steel hands.
Perception Is Reality.
Joy. It's Here. Take it.
“Dont postpone joy until you have learned all of your lessons. Joy is your lesson” Alan Cohen
The Filson Otter Tote
There is something deeply satisfying about a piece of kit that functions seamlessly. This Filson has blown me away on every level. Not only is it bullet proof with a lifetime warranty. It gets better with age. The green cotton has already begun to patina. My approach to “stuff” is one in one out. One bag was sold - this one came in. Less but better.
The Cost Of The Sponsored Post
You know that post on Insta of the dude you thought you knew. The one of him walking away from the supercar, stone faced, holding a bottle of moisturiser in his hand. That one with “paid partnership” at the top.
I saw one of these this morning and wondered if the payoff from the moisturiser company was worth it? Sure, he will get a bunch of love form people he doesn’t know – but what will the people who do know him think?
All we have to fall back on our values, and I wonder if people are thinking deeply enough about their foundational qualities before clicking that post button.
It Is All About People
No doubt you would have heard that before. But what do we mean? Well, for me, it was leaving breakfast this morning in New York’s Soho district having truly uplifted by the conversation - fired up to take on new challenges and generally feeling hugely grateful to have so many friends that inspire me to be better.
I’m reminded of two quotes I like on the subject (though I don’t know who to attribute them to):
“If you go out and meet a dickhead, they are the dickhead. if you go out and everyone you meet is a dickhead, you are the dickhead”.
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"In life there are gutters and drains - people who pull you down or lift you up”
It’s easy to get bogged down with the idiots - don’t - focus on those that lift you and cherish them.