This Wasn’t the Plan
I can’t remember the last time I cried. My wife is the emotional one. When she’s completely absorbed in a sentimental book or stumbles upon a tear-jerking Hallmark commercial, and the tears start flowing, the girls and I know the drill—pass her the Kleenex, shake our heads, and walk away—otherwise, we’ll only make it worse.
In my childhood, though, I cried a lot, sometimes for no apparent reason. Over time, I guess you learn to suppress it or handle your emotions in different ways. Stoicism became the default. But lately? Lately, the emotions have been harder to keep at bay.
You see, I never envisioned this for my life. I had a roadmap, or so I thought. I knew what kind of jobs I’d have, the industries I’d work in, the places I’d travel to. Nowhere on that mental map did it say “write a book” or “become a professional speaker.”
So when I woke up to a text from a friend I haven’t spoken to or heard from in decades telling me my book made them rethink their own life—even in some small way—I had to pinch myself. Me? My words did that? My first thought was: what could I have possibly said that people haven’t already heard from someone else? What did I do that sparked something in them? It’s in those moments that I’m hit by the sheer power of words—my words—and their impact.
Even now, I pick up my book and flip through it, shaking my head in disbelief. This story, my story, exists not just in my mind anymore, but in the world. It’s tangible. It’s something others can read, experience, and reflect on. And I am profoundly grateful—to those who have opened their hearts and their wallets to invest in a dream I never even saw coming.
Now? Now, I’m all in. There’s a fierceness in me that I don’t entirely recognize. A hunger to keep moving forward—not to meet external expectations, but to continue the momentum I’ve built within myself. I want to see where this road leads, how far it stretches, how many more turns and surprises it holds.
And, if I’m being honest, I’m proud of myself. Not in a boastful way, but in a way that reaffirms I’m on the right path. Sure, the road may twist and turn, but I can see the direction I’m heading, and I take a step towards it every day. More than anything, I’m proud that I had the courage to pursue this, even when it wasn’t the safest or most predictable choice. I’m even prouder that I’ve let go—bit by bit—of letting other people’s opinions of me define my reality. That has been one of the toughest journeys of all. But growth isn’t linear—right? I’m learning to enjoy the process—the zigzags, the detours, the unexpected scenic routes along the way.
Last week, I had a moment that solidified all of this. Kasia and I were invited to CBC’s headquarters in downtown Toronto to talk about our journey and my book, Around the World in Family Days. If you missed the recording, you can check it out here.
Sitting in that studio, watching Kasia speak, I was reminded why we took this sabbatical in the first place—to pause, to step away from routine, and to rediscover what truly matters.
Kasia has always been observant, introspective, thoughtful. But compared to her sister? This is the type of experience that Ayana would have jumped at—Kasia had zero interest in doing this kind of thing. However, that day? That day, she picked up the mic and spoke with a confidence that made my heart swell. It was a powerful reminder that when we create space—when we step away from the daily noise—we allow ourselves (and our children) the chance to grow, reflect, and be heard.
Of course, in true Kasia fashion, she had no interest in lingering in the emotional moment with me. As we left the studio, I kept hugging her, telling her how proud I was, and she finally sighed, "Enough already, Daddy." She had moved on. But, ever the strategist, she saw a bargaining chip and looked up at me with a smirk. "Alright, Daddy, this was great and all... but where’s my prize for being amazing?"
And just like that, she had me wrapped around her finger. Again.
Moments like these remind me why this journey matters—not just for me, but for my family. It’s not just about books, speaking engagements, or unexpected career paths. It’s about the small, powerful moments that shape us. The way our kids surprise us, the way we surprise ourselves, the way life keeps unfolding in ways we never expected.
Which brings me to next week—a big one for me. If you’ve been following along, you know that I’m about to take on two major milestones, and I’d love for you to be part of them:
🎤 March 25 – Speaker Slam: I’ll be competing in one of the most exciting storytelling competitions out there. Ten speakers, five minutes each, one powerful theme: No Risk, No Reward. It’s a chance to push myself, share my message, and hopefully inspire. If you’re in Toronto, come cheer me on! If you can’t make it in person, you can still watch the event online— either way you can click here for more details.
📚 March 29 – My First Official Book Signing! I’ll be at Indigo’s Bay & Bloor (55 Bloor St W) in Toronto from 11 AM to 4 PM, signing copies of Around the World in Family Days. If you’ve already got a copy, bring it by for me to sign! If not, grab one at the store and let’s chat.
I look forward to seeing you in person!
