I've done many things in my life that are atypical - for a doctor.
You may not be aware of some of them, even if you've known me for several decades.
Because I didn't tell anyone about it. Not for several years.
But all of that changed mid-career.
That's when I had an epiphany...
Many people are silently waiting - for PERMISSION.
To go after their dreams.
To try something unconventional.
To take a chance; to do stuff just for fun; to fail.
Seeing someone else like them do that - is liberating.
In one of my parallel careers, I've had so many people tell me this directly. Sometimes, years after they first met and knew me.
It's always a thrill to hear that.
And so I embraced it. Leaned into it. Began doing it intentionally.
Now I not only do stuff that you may consider 'crazy'...
But also talk about it.
Write about it.
Brag about it.
In a sense, that's to give others PERMISSION.
To do it, too, themselves.
If they want to, of course.
That it's okay. Not wrong, or bad, or... crazy.
Hey, after all, if this guy who's like me is doing it - why shouldn't I?
So, go on.
Take a flying tackle at Life.
Have fun. Enjoy the thrill. Accept the occasional falls and bumps.
You have my permission.
Because, y'know, this is your one chance.
You only live once.
Make it count!
🙏