The Great Lesson

I've decided to start posting some thoughts—not for likes or comments—just to store them in a kind of repository for some very important young people in my life. First thought: The Great Lesson.

The Great Lesson can only be learned, it cannot be taught. It is the great tragedy and comedy of the universe that billions of people have come before you and not one of them can teach you a damn thing about your path—about your purpose. That is something you discover and invent for yourself. So, go make some mistakes. Learn from them. Do something that terrifies you. Often. Challenge yourself to grow beyond your own expectations, and keep the expectations of others at a distance. When it comes down to it, you are the one that lives with the consequences are rewards of your actions—not them. That being said, treat others with kindness and compassion. You can only make the world a better place by being a better person.

The greatest advice I ever received for engaging with the world came from my father: "Live with courage." Use this in all things. When in doubt, do the courageous thing. The lesson will come.