I once had a conversation with a man in Antarctica.....

It was at the bottom of the world, that I was reminded of one of the most important lessons, of in life. In this conservation, the man was talking about his wife, kids, work, responsibilities but then continued into how much this trip meant to him. He elaborated how this trip was a dream trip and a bucket list desire he has had for a long time. His wife does not do well in the cold, so they agreed that he shouldn't miss the opportunity to pursue this trip. As one can imagine, Antarctica is a bucket list trip for many and in most cases a once in a life time trip.

His reflection of being able to be at the bottom of the world was that of I will be a better person, when I return home- to my wife, to my kids, to my colleagues because this fulfills me, I met myself, and accomplished a well wished upon goal. What he said made me take pause, as I felt that stance was grounds for a defense on the narrative that I tell people on why I travel so much, a defense on how my lifestyle has developed. In that moment, I felt such a relief of self, that this judgement that I carry of myself is not actually selfishness, this is a way to return to the best self I can be. It is the way I am finding my way to be of service to all of those around me.

This lesson is more present in my life with how much I fly....the flight attendants are always telling you you need to put your oxygen mask on before others around you. Think about everyone that relies on you, that you influence, that you have points of contact in your day. What comes to mind if you do not put your oxygen mask on first?

When you take care of yourself, when you have health, bandwidth, and space to work in your capacity then think of the ease you carry in your day to day, with your spouse, your kids, your activities. You are more central, grounded, you are less reactive. You process information, things might seem easier, you are able to accomplish more with less resistance. Your best self can serve those that are part of your inner circle.

Doing the work that brings you joy and happiness, meaning and fulfillment will be doing everyone else a favor around you. There are multiple costs in life, one being monetary, but also opportunity cost. Many people seem to forget about the cost of the opportunity and the rep-age of rewards that this can replenish.

I ask of you, what can you do today to return yourself to your best self?