A solitary tree stands beside an empty bench overlooking a calm sea at sunrise.

The world appears increasingly scary and uncertain. Time to focus on the tangible in front of us instead of the intangible through the screen.

While my life is good, comparison is the thief of joy. However, comparing to those much worse off doesn’t help either. It’s too easy for gratefulness to turn into guilt for feeling low despite your privilege.

I need to re-establish connection. Re-align with the places and people around me. This isn’t a luddite position, but a human one.

I want to stop reaching for the phone or laptop in the mornings. I want to slow down my mind and be more calm. I want to think and write more.

I want to connect with people without anxiety or self judgement. I want to enjoy more moments like now as I sit here; coffee in hand, phone in the pocket, just thinking and writing.

I want to have a drive beyond being a husband and father. To not feel like the boring guy, to have something I want to talk about in random conversations (most of the time, no one actually gives a shit about the weather).

I want to make life happen, instead of feeling like it happens to me. To write these from a place of joy or excitement, instead of a lack of fulfilment.