Everything is connected

“Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.” - Leonardo da Vinci

I’ve never been religious nor really understood what being ‘spiritual’ really meant—but I do believe that things and people connect for the right reasons. I don’t know why nor can I explain what. But in many ways...it helps to relieve the pressure of knowing how life will pan out. That things will work out…the people you meet, the experiences you have, the mistakes you make…and when you learn to ‘see’—you may realize that every experience connects to a subsequent experience. There is no right or wrong move—just moves. And that becomes the story of your life.

“Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.” - Steve Jobs

What is an extraordinary life...for YOU?

Listening to Tony Robbins affirmations during your cold morning shower is like a US Marine sergeant yelling at you during bootcamp—it somehow works. To motivate you to think about the bigger questions in life that start with the smallest things in life—a morning shower.

So what does an extraordinary life look like? As I wrote down my morning thoughts, I realized that we’ve become mesmerized by success standards of Hollywood, big media, and now social media. But does everyone want to become the next Elon Musk? As Mark Manson puts it, “What shit sandwich do you want to eat?” Everything takes time, the journey arduous, but what is that one thing you want that you’re willing to eat a shit sandwich for?

What does a quality, fulfilling, and extraordinary life look like for you? Imagine the reality compared to the fantasy. Are you willing to eat a shit sandwich for that?

Being happy during COVID?

How can it be true that people are happy during COVID?

Well, that is not true per se but a subset of a statistically insignificant population size of 3 people from my Mastermind group.

"On a scale from 1-10, how happy are you right now?"

Patricia, laughing hysterically and unabashedly responded, "Is it strange that I've been extremely positive during this time?!"

That is quite the positivity you possess there for having been locked down with a 2-year old and a husband who contracted COVID recently. But bravo, please pass over some of that whatever-you-are-taking.

While COVID has unsurprisingly shut down worldly and daily possibilities, what it has not shut down is our ability to control what we can control. Yes, the world has come crashing down (or in) but according to who? Well—the psyche of our own minds. OK, I get it...it's 105% OK to complain. But what I don't believe is OK is for those of us to continuously and comfortably complain in the comfort of our reclining, $150-company-paid-for leather chairs, warmly sipping our hot chocolates in our automatic climate-controlled rooms overlooking the falling winter snow upon the glistening canals of the Amsterdam, "Omg, I am so tired of Zoom. This really, really sucks. Sad face."

Damn, do you know that 99% of the population has never even heard of "automatic climate-controlled?" In fact, that's 22nd-century alien speak as told in fairytales over the original "automatic climate-controlled" room—sticks, stones, and a real fire. And hot chocolate is really for rich people.

It's a good reminder to count our blessings. Each and every single day. Every moment. That we can be pompous enough to complain about Zoom fatigue. It's a good reminder to stop and reflect, be grateful, and reframe the situation, "OK...Zoom screens suck. What you gon’ do about it?"

One year post COVID-19 in Amsterdam

“Remember to slow down in life.” - Unknown

How is it that as the world has shut down over the past year, that my mind has raced faster than ever? It’s a Saturday morning here in Amsterdam, and reflection is the game, with my black-brewed coffee in hand, overlooking the waters of the canals that have been around for millennia along with the rustic architecture across the street that must have housed generations of families—life will go on and so will we.

A year ago, many of us thought this “flu-like” virus named COVID-19 could do no harm to the most advanced society mankind has ever witnessed. Oh, we were so wrong. And one year later, we are still battling to carry on…I just hope this “most advanced society” can band together sooner rather than later.

And it’s not easy being so far from home. And while distance makes the heart fonder, it’s quite difficult to grasp the fact that every WeChat with mom allows me to see a new wrinkle on her face—she is getting old.

But one thing is for certain, a year is not lost unless you deem it lost. While our physical bodies were unable to travel and experience the Instagram illusions of modern day life, our minds could still travel the speed of light if we are aware and if we dare. At the same time, perhaps it’s the reason why my mind has never traveled faster than ever—an attempt to make up for what was deemed lost physically. An attempt to exert control over this uncontrollable situation. And just like moving too much or too fast physically can destroy the body, it’s a good reminder of the Tortoise and the Hare. To slow it down a bit…if you truly want to live life.