What's good? How you doin?
Long time since I've wrote some thoughts here, and today I felt motivated. So, here we go.
What a year it has been - amirite?
Not sure if I shared this or not, but in January I got laid off. That was a pretty huge bummer, not gonna lie. I've decided to call it my first "start up exit" since so often an "exit" is what people look for when it comes to start ups... meaning they get purchased, go public, or some other thing happens that makes the cap table a lot of money. That's a successful exit.
But - that's no way the most common start up exit. I don't know for sure, but my gut tells me that I actually experienced the most likely exit for most businesses. Maybe someone who pays for business insider could tell me if I'm right.
Either way, that news came at a bit of a shock to me. Norma had left her job in December, and the plan was to ride out a few months on my salary while she looked for something new.
Want to make God laugh? Make plans. (I use this saying as someone who is very agnostic... but damn, it's just so true)
I joke that we were on legendary mode of life... living in San Francisco paying way too much money for rent and not making any money. Yee haw.
The good news? I had been building my presence on LinkedIn for a while. When I shared a post about looking for a new opportunity, the President and COO of SPARC (my current employer) saw it and reached out. We hit it off, agreed on the role, agreed on the salary, and boom: start date of March 9th.
Norma and I wanted to travel a little bit before the job started, and Asia seemed fun. We were a little worried about this virus that was popping up in China, but we were looking at South East Asia. Myanmar seemed to be a little more off the beaten trail, so we went for it. For those wondering - HIGHLY recommend this country... beautiful people, amazing food, wonderful sites.
I came back on a Saturday, spent all day Sunday jet lagged, and got to work on Monday.
Then a week later SF and the Bay Area issued a shelter in place order, Norma cancelled the remainder of her trip (she was going to go to Japan and spend some more time in Thailand), and we began phase one of our current reality with COVID-19.
This year my theme for the year was "Consistency and Cohesion" and I'd be lying if I said I truly pulled it off. I set goals with regards to running, reading, cooking, my podcast, and writing. It looks like my running goal is the only one I'm actually going to pull off. The others... ehhhrrrmmm yeah didn't quite happen.
They didn't happen, and I genuinely think it's OK. And I think that's ultimately the point of this post.
Whether it's a huge shift in lifestyle due to a global pandemic, a week on crutches due to a sprained ankle, or a missed meeting because you got lost in conversation with your bff from college - we are always adapting and always shifting our lives. We can try to add rhythm and routine, but ultimately, things always get fucked up some how.
As we wrap up the year, I can honestly say I'm very happy.
I landed a job at a company that has roots to my home town, and provides me a wonderful platform to thrive as a professional. Norma and I have figured out a work from home routine that allows us both to coexist well (which I honestly am probably most proud of). My health is in a good enough place, considering that gyms are now closed... but cookies and ice cream are still just as delicious. My cooking game is off the chain right now. Don't 1v1 me in league. I call close friends when I can, and do my best to facetime my grandma.
Overall, despite taking some major curve balls, having to face some big decisions/gamble a bit, we made it work.
Don't get me wrong - I can't wait for the days of hugging strangers (what a NOVEL concept right now lmao), hosting large house parties, and joining a weekly soccer league again. I miss people. I miss making new friends. I miss a lot of things.
The pendulum swings. It always does. If the pendulum has swung to a dark place in your life, know that it isn't permanent. Remain hopeful. Pain is temporary. Life is long, be patient.
At the same time, if things are great for you right now, appreciate that reality. Express gratitude. Acknowledge the good in your life. Joy can also be temporary. Life inevitably will bring more hardships than you can imagine, and provide you with terrible experiences in the future.
As I write this, I'm reminded of my favorite quote of all time (from John Wooden): Things turn out the best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.
Much love,
-Michael