While on a bit of a world tour business trip a couple weeks back, I decided to write a poem. Actually, I’ve been writing close to a poem a week for the last year or so… just crossed 50. Perhaps I’ll share them when I get to 100?
On this trip I was satiated with different cultures. Felt like the Uber travel days, always on the road, building, moving, absorbing. From LA to Riyadh. From Saudi to Madrid, Spain. New companies, new investors, new opportunities to grow. I did get to draw a bit, but it was mostly work. Without the demands of kids I was reading, reflecting, and pondering the value of starting… just starting. Indeed, just starting can be more than 50% of the thing. Getting to the gym… do you honestly think you won’t have a good workout? Getting pen to paper. Worst case, an idea. Best case, art. Scheduling the difficult discussion. Run straight at the difficult, with pace.
Start the hard. *Just start*, take the first step, take the moment…
A Moment From Riyadh
Taking a moment while on the go
to sit back and clearly show
that even though I’m on the run
I recognize the day has just begun.
I recognize not every moment needs to be fun,
and by recognizing that I’ve already won.
Taking a moment to see the detail,
the lack of sleep,
the insecurity,
the internal turmoil.
This is where biology happens.
This is where we grow deep in the internal soil.
I am but a seed, primed and waiting to be watered.
I am but a sprout, reaching for the resources that nourish me.
I am but a small branch, from the sprout, miraculously from the seed,
begging for water and sunlight,
for love and purpose,
for action and orientation.
What a day this one could be,
what a way this one could leave,
what a moment to stay clear,
to dream and drive out the fear.
What a moment to believe.
As my feet hit the floor and a few push-ups done,
I know that at just the start I’ve won.
That’s all. Have a start. Have a day.
—RG
Plaza Major, Madrid, Spain