The days before midnight December 31st – we all tend to reflect. What will the new year bring? What doors will I open up? Which choices will I make? Will my journey be worthwhile? As I ponder away, here are some excerpts from my 2011 Christmas Letter:
“My motto for 2012 is “WHY NOT?”
In 2011, Freedom was a huge theme for me and will be front and centre in the New Year as well. Many of you know for the last 7 years, since my Aunty Pam’s fatal cancer diagnosis really, I have been on a personal roller coaster ride that has caused me much pain and a lot of inner reflection. (Pretty upbeat for a Chrstmas letter so far hey? LOL)
As we march toward 2012, the last moments of 2011 slipping away, the reflection continues and a new adventure begins. In a nutshell, I am homeless. BUT no need to worry, it is by design! After 7 years of living the comfy life down on Zero Avenue, I am venturing forth and learning how to live out of a suitcase. I am officially of “no fixed address”!
And why not?
I will be 50 in two years time, so is this some kind of mid-life crisis? Perhaps it is. I asked myself one day in 2011 what would I REALLY want to do if I had no responsibilites? TRAVEL. Consider this – I am not married, I have no kids or pets, I am in a business that is global and internet based and I can do it from anywhere in the world… so why wouldn’t I? As there will NEVER be a day in my life that I have no responsibilities, then the answer HAS to be, there’s no reason I couldn’t, there’s no reason I shouldn’t so I guess I will.
Why not?
Travel, by my definition, is the freedom of movement. It doesn’t have to be a long trip. Nipping over to Salt Spring or down to Oregon for a couple of days qualifies. Spending the weekend at a friend’s place in Coquitlam qualifies. It is the movement that makes it so appealing… to me.
All that being said, I am looking for ideas, house-sitting gigs and opportunities a few days at a time to catch up and reconnect. As a side note, I have references. I am a very low maintenance house sitter, and generally the place will be standing upon your return – LOL.
2011 was also a year of new relationships… Too many to count – a true blessing. I have met some people this last year that will be friends for the rest of my life. That being said, I realized I have also not been the best friend to many of you “from my past” lately. That is changing in 2012! As I pared down my possessions to the bare minimum – I realized that the stuff I was hanging onto were things like photographs and knick knacks that promped memories of shared experiences with good friends and family. It dawned on me that these friendships are so valuable it makes me a truly a wealthy, wealthy man. I have so many people that I love and who love me back. It boggles my mind to be so very fortunate.
In 2011 my business started to really come into its own. Our Max products have certainly helped me maintain good health, against all odds as I continue to lead an otherwise unhealthy lifestyle. (Where’s that New Years’ Resolution List again?) I continue to maintain my Real Estate license, and I am happy to talk Real Estate with you too. I enjoy blending the two careers helping people with their well being on many fronts.
As this Christmas letter nears it’s end I say: So why not?
Why not spend time doing the things important to me? Why not spend time with the people important to me? Why not spend time collecting more memories, experiences and friends?
Why not indeed!
I TRULY wish all the best to you and everyone important to you in the the New Year.
And remember this:
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
Have an AMAZING year!
Art”
