by: Brian North Remember when I said we’d take a moment to reflect? So how was your week? Sincerely, I want to hear. Are you feeling optimistic? Did you create some opportunities, did you learn, did you win? Did you show gratitude for the losses the same as the wins? Did you tell someone you love them, or were you told you were loved? If you don’t share it with me, share it with someone, or put it on paper. I had one of my best weeks of the year. I had some great connections with my boys. Albeit quick, some great connections with the most amazing business partner on the planet, Stephanie Gonzalez. I experienced one of the best Coffee Talks and Brokerage Meetings we’ve ever had, as well as some great calls with the likes of Trevor, Kristi, Monica, Liza, my Big Rock Team, Cylie, and more. Most of you don’t know, but this year has been a bit confusing for me. Like many of you, I question regularly if I am on purpose. Am I doing what God put me here to do? I am committed to living life to the fullest, making the biggest impact, and enjoying every minute. I often question if I’m doing enough (this is not an ask for you to tell me I am). For the first time in a long time, I feel like I am. I can’t quite measure it the way I used to (accolades, money, units, volume, etc.), but I know I am…for the moment anyway. I have also been ideating for the first time in a while. I started to feel like my thoughts were turning gray. I wasn’t seeing in color the same as I used to, and then I remembered the most important part of life: thinking like a kid. I have been plucking the ukulele, playing games with the family, exercising, reading, studying, playing on social media, cooking, listening to music, laughing, stretching, meditating, and most important surfing. I haven’t surfed in over two years. Traveling the world, adventuring to new places, hauling lots of gear, preparing meals after long days of sun and paddling for hours, and having hard sleeps after maximizing life is what I worked in real estate for. I forgot how much it fueled my creativity, and now I remember. I feel light mentally and physically. I am regenerating unique confidence, and am laughing at things and myself more. Small things seem to matter less. I have more patience, am asking more questions, and feel more gentle. My brain feels less panicked, I am more optimistic, less fearful, frankly excited to rest, and even more excited to wake up. I feel like a kid. Remember that thing you were or are good at? Dance, baseball, playing music, yoga, hiking, volleyball, water skiing, swimming, tennis, golf, woodworking, gardening, and then for some reason you stopped? Remember when you promised yourself you’d start again, but then you never did? Well, don’t forget! It’s the thing that makes you happy. It makes you think in color. It gives you confidence and might accompany you to ease and connection. I’m begging you, from the pit of my soul, don’t forget. I remembered to surf, and I’m living again. I am excited to share this life with you no matter what, but we will flourish together when you/we remember to live like a kid. Have a beautiful weekend tapping back into that youthful version of yourself. Oh yeah, and if you have a significant other or child who forgot, remind them to remember too. Maybe you can even do it together.