It's cold out. How cold is it? It's too cold to bike, and that's a rarity for me.
Since I'm skipping my lunchtime ride today, I thought I'd take the opportunity to write here. I've simply had no time as I've been swamped with TMDS and fatherhood responsibilities. And when I do force myself to take a break, I choose to bike. But not today...
TMDS, as I may have mentioned, is my digital services company that has been feeding my family and paying my mortgage for the past five months. I'm quite pleased with how things are progressing on that front. I learned so much in five months, yet have so much more to learn. I'm very busy, but it's incredibly rewarding and fulfilling and I'm high on the potential I see before me.
If I were to prioritize everything, it would look something like this:
- My family - I would give up everything for my four kids. In a heartbeat. Everything I do, I do it for them and it would be impossible for me to love them any more than I already do.
- My health - Arguably, this could be #1, because without it, I can't be there for my family and help them the way I wish. Perhaps these first two are 1a and 1b. It's vital I do my best to remain physically and mentally healthy.
- Self improvement - I want to be the best me I can be. That sounds corny, but at its core is the golden rule. I strive to treat everyone fairly, be as kind as possible and help make this world better, not worse. This matters to me.
- Monetary gains - I want/need to earn enough money to provide for my family. With TMDS, I've bet on myself, and all revenue generated is to ensure my four children are given the best opportunity at having a successful life. I don't have rich tastes or extravagant desires, but I've chosen to live and raise my family in Toronto and that means I need to earn a sufficient amount of money. I'm not primarily motivated by money, but I acknowledge the necessary role it plays in my life.
- Fun - Let's not confuse fun with happiness. The first four items on this list all contribute to happiness, but fun is playing and watching sports, kicking out the jams, catching a good flick and enjoying our cycling trails. A deep playoff run for the Raps and Leafs would be great fun. Here's hoping.
The clarity I now have with regards to life priorities came with age. You really can't buy experience, and nor can you skip steps to achieve such perspective. On that note, you're never too old to change direction and leave your comfort zone. I have mad respect for people who change professions in their 50s or 60s. I think it's awesome when someone in their 70s takes up running or cycling. If you want to learn woodworking in your 80s, do it! Age ain't nuthin' but a number. I sincerely believe this. As my late grandmother would tell me, age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
If you're keeping score at home, I really dig the Jake Muzzin trade, I'm hoping the Raps land Anthony Davis, even if it means trading away Siakim, and I can't wait for the Vlad Guerrero, Jr. era to begin.
I sincerely like and admire all four of my children. Nothing fills me with more pride than that. The love is so intense, it almost hurts.
I need accounting help... so if you're an accountant or know a good one who will help the sole proprietor of a small business, I'd love to hear from you.
And finally, I'm sorry I haven't had more time to write here. As the podcast has taken off, it's absorbed the vast majority of my Toronto Mike hours. If you're a subscriber, thank you! And if you're a reader of this blog, thank you!
It's 12:15pm, so I'm going to make myself a pizza and get back to work. Peace and love to you all.
