And Nothing Else Matters.

Over thirty short years ago, I stood at an altar next to the single finest person I've ever met. A person who has taught me to be a far better me that I had any right to be, particularly at the time.

I was as imperfect as anyone she'd ever met. That much will never change, try as I might. My life has been a constant exhilarating shitshow (my bad) and an utter joy (her good) from the day I took that plunge.

Anyone who really knows me will attest to the fact that I'm hopelessly above my head in the marriage department. Guilty as charged. And I darkly suspect my troglodyte-sized IQ has only gained ground by association.

As a creative manager, I've made it my challenge to be as good a leader as my wife is a partner, mother, and emotional support mechanism to me. Woefully inadequate as I may be, she has taught me to never give up. My father, may he rest in peace, instilled the same ethos in me until his passing just over ten years ago.

When I lost my father, my wife stepped into his size-thirteens without mentioning it to anyone. One incredible mentor left, and another filled the void. My wife did the job because someone had to do it.

To date, I've continued to fumble and bumble and fail and yes, even occasionally succeed, because thankfully, it's true what they say about blind squirrels finding nuts. But mostly it's because I've learned to listen to the people who love me. The ones who will tell me the truth, even if it stings a little.

Sitting across the table from my bride for the last two months has given me the time to really think about what matters in my world. To take stock and reflect. To aspire and be re-inspired. Over the course of many long walks, I've felt the sun and heard the birds and taken pictures of sunsets during what has otherwise been one of the most trying periods since my dad's stage-right exit.

I've come to the realization that the only thing that matters in this fucked up world, is people.

The good ones.

If and when we all return to work, do me a solid. Take a look around you and realize that the greatest gift you have isn't inside of you. Or shiny objects. Or the things you've amassed. It's people.

You have a choice in life. You can aspire to have more, or you can aspire to be more.

I've made my choice. And I have a far bigger person than myself to thank for it.

#chiefcreativementor #letsbegoodtoeachother