Some people are lucky, they're born right on the shores of the Seven Seas that they'll eventually master. They live right by the docks, have family members who already own a ship, or possess the resources to fast track their way onto a ship. They will be known as legends and accomplish things that the whole world will find marvelous.
But most, most are born in the desert. They are destined for the sea. Their legend is just waiting for them. But they never make it out of the desert.
That breaks my heart.
I am optimistic about life and where humanity is going because we have never been in a better position as a species to realize where we currently are, be able to understand where our ideal future lies, and have the resources & opportunities to get there.
We live in the greatest era in human history.
Just remember, it could be even better. We have a lot of work to do. But that should excite you and not sadden you.
The Captain
To distill what’s been happening in my life this year, I think a quote by Thomas Aquinas tells it best. “If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.” I was staying in port for too long…
In February, I received my last paycheck from my first full-time employer. My days as a Technical Communicator were over.
I quit my job. It just wasn’t trending in the right direction anymore and it was better for everyone that it’d end sooner rather than later. I believed that then. I am convinced of it now.
If you didn’t catch the news, I am no longer a Yooper. I’m now a Chicagoan. Naperville, IL is my new home. I have a new mission at a company that is checking every box. To be honest the only thing holding me back is how perfect everything lined up.
I’m happy. I feel as though I am valuable and I am being valued.
There’s a damn near perfect place for me here. I hope it remains for a very long time. This may very well be my Seven Seas…
Here’s to being the Captain of my life. I hope you’ll follow along as I create my legend.
Maybe I’ll meet you along my journey. Maybe you’ll help me and/or I’ll help you as we float along.
The Ship & Crew
The ocean can be a scary place. It’s very intimidating and isolating. It’s so damn big.
Traveling it alone, that’s a recipe for disaster.
You need a good ship and a better crew.
I think I found that. The crew is quite skilled, extremely kind, and very patient.
If you knew me in high school or college, to imagine me in a big populated city with so much going on… It’d make you laugh.
Steven’s in CHICAGO?! Hahahaha, that dude is going to die…
I still get overwhelmed making a spontaneous trip to the local gas station, how I even made it down here has nothing to do with me and everything to do with my family and the powers that be.
I’ll need more people in my corner. I definitely can’t do this alone.
The Legend
I wonder if Blackbeard thought of his life as legendary.
I look at my sparse apartment and beat-up man-van, and I doubt mine will be anywhere near the story of Blackbeard.
But I hope I can be known among my circle as a great man.
One who lives by example.
Who strives to improve himself and others.
Who is considerate of his actions, his words, and his ideas.
Known for making himself vulnerable so that others may learn and evolve his efforts at living a valuable life.
Who is kind and funny, always making time for anyone who needs it.
He may be a giant, but he only kills flies.
His legend shouldn’t focus on his wealth or fame, but for the impact he had on the people around him.
I hope for that.
The Kraken
One can never know what’s lurking under the sea. One day it’ll strike and you’ll lose.
Chicago has been demonized in the small town I’m from.
Yes, that town. The one where the crazy dude shot up that barn. The one where the Dollar General got robbed. The one with domestic violence cases up the wazoo. The one where the drunk driver killed that kid. The one with the people so full of hate, a number of people took the only way out they had. That one.
“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.”
Safety isn’t the only measure that matters. And don’t forget: comfort kills.
The risk was in me staying. The risk was in me becoming the worst version of myself.
That risk won’t come true down here.
I’m not afraid of people. I don’t fear death from doing something and being somewhere. If that’s the way I go, so be it. I welcome it.
I fear the death of my best self. I fear the death of the lethargic. I fear death through complacency.
The Seven Seas? More like The Steven Sees.