16 Comments
User's avatar
Kim Shannon's avatar

Derek, I love your clarified purpose. You are an incredible listener and I truly believe you are meant to be of service and to help others clarify their purpose. xo

Derek MacDonald's avatar

Kim! Wow, thank you! That is so, so kind. It's been a really fun journey (and will continue to be, I think). It feels a bit like it's been right in front of my face; since it's the stuff I love to work on with others. Here's hoping I can be of some help along the way!

Bryant Duhon's avatar

Apropos of nothing, you are one of the few guys I’ve ever seen who can pull off a mustache well.

You write pretty good as well. :) And, for the record, yeah, I think your friend was definitely onto something

Derek MacDonald's avatar

Thank you for this—I audibly snorted lol. I’m truly humbled. And… I raise you Sam Elliot and Tom Selleck.

In all seriousness, thanks for reading and for the encouragement, Bryant! I’m excited to see where following this thread takes me.

Bryant Duhon's avatar

Woo hoo! Cybersnort. My work here is done. Yep, those dudes can rock a 'stache.

it's good stuff and I'm happy to keep reading!

Julie Diebolt Price's avatar

Very cool, Derek. One is never too old to make career/life changes. I am sure you will make many more self-discoveries along the way.

“All roads lead to Rome” (I was on one in Spain last week). I wish the journey on your road leads you to the perfect destination (your Rome). Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Derek MacDonald's avatar

I love that perspective, Julie! Cheers, indeed, to staying open to many more self-discoveries.

I’m very grateful for the support—thank you for being part of the journey. What’s next for you after your Roman adventure?

Julie Diebolt Price's avatar

It will be hard to top this adventure, Derek. I have three hosted events to deliver articles for. Then, I will spend the next several months processing the experiences mentally (and photos!).

There are only 2 states out of our 50 that I haven’t been to yet. 2026 is the year to complete that collection.

Kris Kuhn's avatar

The time investment is always worth if it lights your heart on fire! And if things change along the way, heck, that’s ok too. Follow your heart and I hope it will lead to amazing things for you!

Derek MacDonald's avatar

You’re so right, Kris! Sometimes, stoking the fire means rearranging the logs. Other times, it’s about nurturing the embers. Then there are the moments where the best adjustment is to not interfere. And all require paying attention.

That’s what I’m reminding myself. Thank you for the support!

Lynn Vieira's avatar

It always excites me when I hear people figure out what lights them up. This is an awesome goal and I'm so glad you're considering it.

Derek MacDonald's avatar

Thanks so much, Lynn! I love witnessing those “ah-ha” moments, too.

Gerlando Piro's avatar

Would a few more years of difficulty be worth it? It sounds like you have your answer!

Derek MacDonald's avatar

Seems like it, huh? Framing it like that really simplifies things

Jenny's avatar

SO EPIC DEREK!!!

Derek MacDonald's avatar

SCARY! BUT MOSTLY EXCITING!!