Hello there!
Fall is in the air. The leaves are turning. The wind is rich with pumpkin spice. Welcome to another newsletter!
I spent September trying to savour as much of the late-summer sun as I could. As these strange times persist, I do my best to appreciate any day the sun is shining. I’m always looking for a ray of sunlight, literal or metaphorical.
🌞 My warmest ray of sunlight this month came on September 14th when I became an uncle for the first time! My little sister had a baby boy. It’s interesting to consider the arrival of a new being that will be intertwined with me to some degree for the rest of my life.
On September 14th, after hearing news of my nephew’s arrival, I wrote:
“I hope I can help piqué his curiosity for the world. It will be a few years before he knows who I am, and I him, but I am excited to begin that introduction. Welcome to the world, little Westyn. Now that you’ve arrived, I can feel my hope for the world expanding.”
🖋️ I posted a blog titled Laying Bricks. With most everything in life, there is the work that is right in front of you and there is the vision of what you’re working towards. Both are important, but finding a balance is vital.
🌎 Here are three things I found on the internet this month:
I. ARTICLE that changed my perspective on participating online
The Great Online Game by Packy McCormick (15 minute read)
Packy McCormick of NotBoring.co argues that the ongoing evolution of the internet, along with the pandemic shift to work-from-home, has created a framework for many of our lives (or at least work lives) to be played out online. The internet is rife with opportunities if you’re willing to play the game. That means developing skills, meeting new people, embarking on quests, and leveling up as you go.
From the article:
We are all playing an infinite game by participating on the internet. We are essentially trying to tap the right sequence of keys so that we can eventually buy a house. Jump into the game and have fun with it. The downside of starting some entrepreneurial has never been lower in the history of the world. Start connecting with people and trying to help. Develop skills and get deeper into the game.
II. COMEDY SPECIAL that had me laughing and thinking more than most
TJ’s “January 3” on Prime Video
Hat tip to Tim Ferriss’ 5-Bullet Friday for introducing me to Tanael “TJ” Joachim. I’m an avid fan of stand up comedy and TJ did not disappoint. As a Haitian immigrant to America, TJ has a distinct perspective and ability to speak on a variety of problematic social issues. He speaks of his experience being a black immigrant in New York City in a funny and thoughtful way. He has no problem with making people uncomfortable to leverage out the humour inherent in that discomfort.
For a taste of the special, here is 2-minute Instagram clip: “Why I Speak French”.
III. PODCAST that left me appreciating the power of vulnerability
The Rich Roll Podcast #626 with David Choe (YouTube)
David Choe is a very fascinating human being. He garnered fame as an artist by painting murals in Facebook’s office space in 2005. He accepted stock options instead of money for payment. He made $200 million when he cashed in the stocks. But he is much more than the guy that got rich by proxy of Facebook’s success. He is a true incarnation of an artist.
He is tortured and flawed, but more than anything, he is honest. He speaks honestly about his struggles and his demons. He does not hide from the darkness in his world. I appreciate his brutal vulnerability and quest to find his own truth.
A Quote to Consider
“If the problem can be solved, why worry? And if the problem can’t be solved, then worrying will do you no good.”
— Shantideva
Photos of the Month
You’re welcome to email me questions or simply say Hello. Let me know of a good book, podcast, video, or anything else you think I’ll find interesting.
I hope you have an outstanding October!
Until then,
Scotty
P.S. Who doesn’t love to dance?
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