✏️ The Game of Life
As I grow older, I am noticing my views on life change. In my teenage and university years I was a passenger in life; putting one foot in front of the other, but with no real confidence in the direction I was heading. Life was something to be thought of lightly, something that would figure itself out in due time. Now, I see life as a great game — a gift — with endless possibilities. My job in life is that of a sculptor, who begins with a block of marble and works to unearth the statue within. My life purpose is still obscure, but by following my talents and passions, I am able to find the enthusiasm and strength to face the world every day. Through daily action and reflection, I can improve and better myself. Observing courage and competency in myself gives me the confidence to chase my dreams and embrace the failures that inevitably come my way. I need not try to be something I am not, because my only task is to be me. Life is beautiful because there will never be another me. By accepting myself and taking responsibility for my life, I can be the best version of myself for my family, friends and the world. Life is a great game — a single-player game — and every day is an opportunity to start fresh. To be better.
📸 Photo of the Week
Had an amazing time canoeing in Algonquin Park the past few days — feels natural to be out in the wild.
📖 Book of the Week — Paris 1919 by Margaret MacMillan
After the sounds of the cannons had subsided and the armistice took effect, it was time to rebuild Europe. The Big Four nations — United States, France, Great Britain, and Italy — would meet in Paris for several months in 1919 to decide the fate of Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From this conference, several new countries were born including Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as a completely remodelled Middle East after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. As the defeated party, Germany would be charged heavy fines and bear the responsibility of the war under the controversial War Guilt Clause (which Hitler would use to drum up support for his nationalist party). The events of the 1919 Paris Peace Conference shaped the modern world we live in, and its effects are still felt to this day.
💭 Quote of the Week
He who builds a house according to every man's advice will have a crooked house.
Danish Proverb
🔭 Sunday Best
11 Life Lessons Learned at 30 — by Polina Pompliano.
Listening for the Truth (Leon Fleisher 1928-2020) — back-to-back recommendations for Fleisher. RIP to a legend.
Loud Numbers — a cool podcast by Miriam Quick and Duncan Geere. They turn data into sounds and subsequently music to tell stories on climate change, beer-tasting, the European Union, and more!
💡 Food for Thought
Good things take time.
Cheers!
AT