Make Your Meaning is a free newsletter sent twice a month. If you enjoy it, consider our membership option. For $5/mo you’ll get weekly voice notes from me and exclusive access to a monthly group Zoom call with me and 602 other members. This is a space where we’ll share, collaborate and explore new ideas together. Hope to see you in there :)
I’m going back to Paris.
I used to have it figured out.
Now, not so much.
The woman who knew me best passed away on Friday, September 24th at 6:10 pm.
Happiness is a decision. You can’t get through life without a sense of humor. Forgive, forgive, forgive.
Her three rules forever imprinted in my mind.
Helen Cerna Dajer. My biggest cheerleader. The unconditional wind in my sails.
I spent the last few months in Puerto Rico with her.
She was as happy as ever.
Despite her declining health. Despite her past. Despite the sudden death of her brother at five years old. Despite her alcoholic father. Despite the stroke that left half her body paralyzed. She kept belly laughing.
She never went to college. Never had a career. Never made a “success” of herself.
But her whole family showed up on her last days.
Fifteen of us flew from around the world to be with her as she took her last breath.
That’s success.
She’s got me rethinking everything.
Not long ago, I wanted to be Richard Branson. But now I just want to laugh with the people I love.
There’s nothing left to prove. I did the thing. I built the businesses. I met my idols.
But that wasn’t it.
So I’m going back to my roots. My lease in LA is up. I’ve sold all my things. My life is packed in a Briggs & Riley suitcase.
I’ve got a one-way ticket.
I’m going back to my family. To my friends. To my home.
I’m going back to Paris.
Love,
Matt
Song: Paris by The 1975
Photo: 10 minutes to landing…
Those 3 lessons. Thanks Helen.
Man! This is something that I haven't thought of... But if you actually see it from outside, the majority of successful people have their families around them all the time! The fact that you mentioned seeing all of your idols, so far that nothing left to prove got me thinking! My journey is still going, also I haven't met any of my idols yet...But I have my family and I can reconnect with them more and on a deep level... Maybe I will priorities going back to my roots and link with my them than seek something that will come as things progress.
Thank you for the share Habibi