New times!

Okay, so like I said in my little blurb, I've always been a bit of a go-getter. I kind of defined my self worth based on how much I'd achieved, produced, or accomplished. Especially if those things received public recognition. It seems the most important thing in my life was to have a really long and impressive resume.

This was all getting a little daunting, and kind of depressing/anxiety-producing. I mean, really, if all that I'm worth is what I produce, then I never get a lazy day! Or a day of just hanging out with my friends and enjoying their company! Or enough time to spend with my wonderful and caring partner! My day planner was a very stressful place to be, cramming social engagements in between work, artistic projects, charity projects, and existential crises.

A couple of years ago my Grandpa passed away. He was without a doubt one of the best men I had ever known in my life. And he accomplished a lot, he was very involved with many charities throughout his life, taught, coached basketball, spent a couple of years in Singapore and Nigeria training teachers, and so on. At first I thought his life was great because of all that. But it wasn't, it was great because of the love he shared with everyone around him. Every individual who he got to know was special and meaningful, and that brought meaning to him. I learned this lesson at that time, but it didn't last long what with the stresses of university life and a need for top grades amongst everything else.

Then this Christmas, my Aunt passed away. Again, I was reminded of what really matters in life. Her life was meaningful and wonderful, not because of what she produced, but because of her relationships with individual people. She loved everyone and was interested in their lives. She was open and sharing and enriched those she got to know. Like my Grandpa did before her.

So that's my resolution, my change. I am sick of trying to achieve things constantly at the expense of my relationships. One thing The Beatles got right: All you need is love. That's how I will become the person I'm meant to be! So that's my plan. I'm going to put my relationships with the people I love first and achievement second.

Let the adventure begin!