As I write these words, 2023 is but a few breaths left.
Another year ends, another opportunity to reflect.
Words often seem inadequate to express what we see, feel, or think.
But they are still the best tool we have to freeze time, take a screenshot of our minds, and upload it to the digital ether.
I turned 40 this year and celebrated this milestone surrounded by the people who made me who I am.
I'm now at a stage in life where I need to take photos to remember what I did and with whom.
But I'm also at a phase where looking back at the photos brings me joy. So yes, that's why I'm always taking photos. I promise, I'm not selling them on the black market (or am I?).
I see time differently now.
Not as a commodity I can invest. But as a precious resource running out.
How much time do I have left to spend with people dear to me? How much time do I have left to cherish past memories and those yet to be made?
And more importantly, how can I stop counting time and make it count instead?
"Come on, you're only 40" you may say. To which I would reply, "This is my self-reflection. Please don't interrupt me."
2023 will soon be remembered in the past tense.
While the pandemic seems to be mostly behind us, we're still figuring out what the new "normal" is. We are relearning how to connect with one another.
I haven't been very good at it. I haven't given it enough attention.
As with any good thing in life, you always need to pay upfront.
We crave human connection, but somehow, we're not willing to afford the investment it takes.
So that will be my theme for 2024.
Generosity. Because being generous is simply giving more than we take.
I've been given a lot. I've taken a lot. But it's about the future, not the past.
So it's time for me to give forward rather than back. To give more, to share more, to help more.
I hope I can count on all of you to make me accountable.
As I look at the last few grains of sand in the hourglass, I want to share a few words of gratitude.
I want to thank my loving wife for being more than my better half. More like two-thirds.
I want to thank my family for reminding me who I am, and my friends for reminding me who I can become.
I also want to thank all the people I get to work with, from colleagues to partners. They are the reason why I get out of bed on weekdays (them and the pay, but mostly them). I get out of bed for my guitars on the weekend.
I hope that 2024 will give you countless memories to cherish.
As always, take good care of yourself and the people who are dear to you.
Happy New Year!
Guillaume
