I appreciate this authentic and insightful retrospective on your path as a creator so far John. To me the important thing is living as that verb instead of the noun, and then your path will become whatever it needs to be, whether we wind up self-employed or working for someone else. Anyone who is living as a verb is always working for themselves to some extent. Loved the closing finish line photo. Your athletic endeavors have always been a sort of add-on to your posts, almost footnoted, but they always strike me as carrying more inspiration for your readers than you realize. Glad no permanent damage was sustained in your mishap.
Pretty darn cool to see the crossovers John. I’m about 20 months into walking away from 8-5. It’s a consistent balancing act between providing services and continuing to ‘create’. Appreciate the straight at it approach of your writing.
I haven’t been doing the running events, but loving the cycling endurance events.:)
John, this whole reflection is a contribution to all who read it. So much wisdom and learning. One thing that came through to me is that there is no judgment - of yourself for the path you're discovering. I loved the comment about dog sitting. NOW, not surprisingly, your pulled out and recommended THE most amazing podcast:
Sam Harris (philosopher, writer, and meditation guru) speaks to writer and poet David Whyte. The whole talk is brilliant, but I especially enjoyed this extract where they compared travel (or a pilgrimage) to conversation.
I've listened to this ten times over the years. And I get something new/many somethings new, each time. Thank you - I shall listen again.
This was such a good read John! It’s inspiring to see how this new chapter is in alignment for you. This reflection resonates! And the quote is illuminating, thank you for sharing it and your story 🙌🏽
LOVE this, John! All part of figuring out what we want out of life and how to get it. I've been at the internal anger stage and also found the self-motivation fire is so much harder to keep going. Navigating the challenges of 30s working life can be lonely so having someone be completely honest about both sides of the coin - refreshing. Keep writing please- it's soul-food reading!
Great to hear from you again through your newsletter and it does sound like a very healthy John that is shining through these words. Well done for where you have managed to take you to over these two years!👏👏
Such a gift when nuance is found and we can step into the truth of our reality and be at peace. You and Alexandra Allen openly sharing your journeys back to corporate gives permission to those of us grinding to re-evaluate and choose what’s best for ourselves over any expectations we had going into solopreneurship. The friendships made, personal growth through the art of writing, and business lessons learned can never be taken away from us. Thanks you for sharing your reflections and insights
I appreciate this authentic and insightful retrospective on your path as a creator so far John. To me the important thing is living as that verb instead of the noun, and then your path will become whatever it needs to be, whether we wind up self-employed or working for someone else. Anyone who is living as a verb is always working for themselves to some extent. Loved the closing finish line photo. Your athletic endeavors have always been a sort of add-on to your posts, almost footnoted, but they always strike me as carrying more inspiration for your readers than you realize. Glad no permanent damage was sustained in your mishap.
Resonate with a lot of this, John! We’ve definitely been on similar timelines learning similar lessons. Cheers to continuing the journey! 🥂
Pretty darn cool to see the crossovers John. I’m about 20 months into walking away from 8-5. It’s a consistent balancing act between providing services and continuing to ‘create’. Appreciate the straight at it approach of your writing.
I haven’t been doing the running events, but loving the cycling endurance events.:)
John, one more comment for you and your readers: A podcast to rival Sam and David Whyte.
Krista Tippets interviewing David's best friend John O' Donohue, who happened to die suddenly at a very young age several years ago.
https://onbeing.org/programs/john-odonohue-the-inner-landscape-of-beauty/
John, this whole reflection is a contribution to all who read it. So much wisdom and learning. One thing that came through to me is that there is no judgment - of yourself for the path you're discovering. I loved the comment about dog sitting. NOW, not surprisingly, your pulled out and recommended THE most amazing podcast:
Sam Harris (philosopher, writer, and meditation guru) speaks to writer and poet David Whyte. The whole talk is brilliant, but I especially enjoyed this extract where they compared travel (or a pilgrimage) to conversation.
I've listened to this ten times over the years. And I get something new/many somethings new, each time. Thank you - I shall listen again.
Great seeing you today.
This was such a good read John! It’s inspiring to see how this new chapter is in alignment for you. This reflection resonates! And the quote is illuminating, thank you for sharing it and your story 🙌🏽
LOVE this, John! All part of figuring out what we want out of life and how to get it. I've been at the internal anger stage and also found the self-motivation fire is so much harder to keep going. Navigating the challenges of 30s working life can be lonely so having someone be completely honest about both sides of the coin - refreshing. Keep writing please- it's soul-food reading!
Great to hear from you again through your newsletter and it does sound like a very healthy John that is shining through these words. Well done for where you have managed to take you to over these two years!👏👏
Such a gift when nuance is found and we can step into the truth of our reality and be at peace. You and Alexandra Allen openly sharing your journeys back to corporate gives permission to those of us grinding to re-evaluate and choose what’s best for ourselves over any expectations we had going into solopreneurship. The friendships made, personal growth through the art of writing, and business lessons learned can never be taken away from us. Thanks you for sharing your reflections and insights
Hey John, this is so raw and I felt each and every word,it hit me thinking of your journey.
I wish to you good luck in your next endeavour.
Congratulations on finishing the marathon, reminds me that I need to start training for the 2026 marathon.