The Leading Edge: What Are You Chasing?

A.K.A. I'm in Japan... so Crazy Hair? Don't Care!

I don't know about you, but I often find myself stuck in my own head. Maybe it's a product of being over fifty and looking back on my life thus far and wondering, "Have I made the most of the time I've been given?"

Maybe I could build a product that the whole world craves? Maybe I could inspire people with a dozen books? Perhaps I should run for office and pass some important laws? Heck, I should also get to work on creating a new drug to cure alzheimer's, too! I could mix up something really special in the bathtub.

Bottom line: I need to leave my mark.

Over the past fifty-plus years, I have spent loads of time amassing accomplishments. And I am proud of them. The problem is, if I'm not careful, I will have spent my hours and days building a list of achievements instead of building a life.

When visiting the Meiji shrine in Tokyo, I was struck by an octagon-shaped pavilion. As I approached, I could see hundreds and hundreds of amulets hung from countless nails. Each one with a handwritten note.

This was a place to offer up hopes. Wishes. Dreams. They were written in many different languages. While I could only make out the ones written in english and Spanish, I was struck by the simplicity. Sure, one kid wrote, "I hope my parents by me the latest Nintendo Switch." But, the vast majority of them asked only for health for themselves and loved ones. Peace for their family and friends.

Happiness.

Joy.

It was a helpful reminder in that quiet moment. What am I chasing? Am I getting distracted by accomplishments and forgetting the important things? Because, while it might be nice to have my name plastered on a water tower in my hometown right next to Garth Brooks, what really matters are the ones closest to us, and how we show up for them.

Peaceful, joy-filled and present.