Work
Back in 1999 I was putting together a team and raising money for my latest venture—an Internet startup running a website to host construction project information. It was a crazy time and a very emotional ride because it coincided with a growing fissure between me and my business partners. We had disagreements over the management of our existing software company and thought spinning off this new venture would give us some space to work apart. This transition forced me into taking on new roles and there was money and my reputation riding on its success.
Letting Go
Our house had to be fixed up. Our stuff had to be reduced. Two of our children had to find places to live. And all this had to happen in less than three months.
One way to get your kids to move out is to sell the house out from under them: “You either have to get an apartment or cozy up to the new owners. Your choice.”
Embraced
Embrace is a glorious word. More than just a hug, it suggests love and enthusiasm and holding on for dear life—never wanting to let go. It’s a high compliment when someone says that I’ve embraced my new life. I want to be that guy who goes all in.
I mean, why not? Why bother moving from the Gulf Coast to the West Coast if you’re not going to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of it?
Connections
His date had brought her friend and neighbor, Judy, to the rink that night and, after introducing us, she and I were left alone together as our mutual friends skated. She was kind enough to look past my bad hair and skate with me.
A Beatles song came on as we coasted around the oval and we discovered that we both loved their music—our first connection. This got me a second date. As we spent more time together, we found more commonalities and our relationship grew.
I owe Brian everything for making this connection and for opening the door to the 36 happiest years of my life.
WWDC15
My first Apple conference was in 2008. I had visited San Francisco once, a decade earlier, but this first WWDC was my first real experience of the city. Spending time with friends who had a common passion made this a great trip. I vowed to make this trip a priority every year after.
Time
The point is that time is precious. It’s the most limited resource we have and needs to be treated as such. The last thing I said to a loved one might be the last time I get to speak to them. The last action I made could be my final statement about who I am, and I want to leave this world a more positive place than when I entered it.
Damaged
We are all damaged to some degree. Damage isn’t an all-or-nothing condition. I fight my brokenness all too often, but I know each time I choose to respond with love, each time I choose inclusivity over segregation, each time I swallow my pride and admit I am wrong, I'm a better person. I'm healing some of my own damage.