I had something else planned for this newsletter, but then when I sat down to make some final touches, I realized what I wanted to say for this week was that: I’m back. I’ve spent the last few months trying to find the ground. And while it’s leveled out over the last few weeks, in particular, today I felt the most me I’ve felt in a long while.
For some context, I hit the road at 5 AM Saturday morning en route to St. Petersburg, Florida for the first stint in my 11-week road trip/summer vacation. The 10-hour road trip was surprisingly smooth. Typically, I drive the first bit and I’m done after 3-4 hours, ready to nap. Instead, I drove the entire way (a BIG accomplishment if you ask me)!! We unpacked, got situated, and then after my nap, I saw that my uncle left Matthew McConaughey’s book, Greenlights, on the coffee table. I’ve been hearing rave reviews about it the last few months and decided it might be worth my time. Boy am I glad I did.
In essence, the book is about how to live and why you should get on livin (the no “g” is intentional). Matthew took me on a journey through the first fifty years of his life. From listening to wet dreams that led him to the Amazon river, to wrestling 280-pound men in Malti, Africa, to his relationship with his mother as she tried to steal his fame when the spotlight began to shine on him — it’s all there.
Greenlights is about finding more yeses and open lanes, in a world where it’s easy to get distracted by every notification or news alert.
It’s about finding who you want to be, what you stand for, and building a life that lives accordingly.
His book came to me at the right time. I’d just embarked on another journey. I’m on my own (with a plus one), making my own rules again.
I get to do what makes me truly happy — travel.
Seeing the world.
Seeing people.
Experiencing new things and old things in new ways.
This is exactly what I get to do for the next 11 weeks.
I feel like the heavy boots I’ve been walking around in for seven months have been swapped for flip flips.
I spent the majority of the day outside reading, writing, and watching boats go by on the canal.
If that’s not a great day, I don’t know what is.
There’s something so refreshing about going back to or finding a new place that brings this out in you. With no effort required, you can be transported to a place of stillness.
The world stops moving and the noises fade.
Your mind clears.
You walk lighter.
It is in this state that more greenlights can find you. When you are ready and open to receive it, the truth will be right there waiting for you to say, “hello.”
As for me, none of these greenlights happened today, but I know that I’m damn well prepared now for them to come.
Nervous? A bit.
Excited? Hell ya.
I’m ready for whatever’s in store. I’ve got big things to do — best get moving.
Are you?
Question of the week?
When was the last time you felt the most like you?
Shipped this week
Ep. 70: Your Mental Health Matters with Crumbs & Whiskers Founder, Kanchan Singh
Kanchan knew something was off for a while. She got a corporate job right out of college and after working for about two years, she decided to pursue the two things that made her happiest: animals and travel.
This led her to Thailand, where she first heard about the concept of cat cafes. Upon returning, she honed in on her entrepreneurship minor and got to work bringing this idea to Washington, D.C. At 24, she opened her first location. Even with the success, she was achieving with her business, she was still deeply unhappy. Not only was it affecting her internally, but it was also causing her to lash out at her employees and create a toxic work environment.
Deciding to start the inner healing through therapy and other methods, Kanchan starting writing poetry. It was through writing that she's been able to express herself and find her true self.
Quote of the week
“if you’re not a starter and you think you should be,
give em no choice in the decision.
play so well it’s undeniable.”
— Matthew McConaughey
Keep rising,
JTM
Greenlights is so good. It's one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to just because of his iconic voice. His stories are next-level too