Jason, I am so happy for you that you are finding your way! I understand that some days one still feels lost, at 68 years old I go through that myself. We’re constantly changing and evolving.
Dear Jason, this is one of the best things I have ever read, and the brilliant artwork too. It spoke to me on a very deep level. I am changed by this piece, I saved it to return to whenever I need inspiration, practical and poetic.
Well, blow me down! Incredibly interesting and insightful post. I don't like the wilderness. Never have, but I suppose I have been through some versions of it. Contemplating moving out from the blanket fort next January to spend a couple months somewhere foreign and WARM. OK, I am a big chicken, but I think that "little adventure" might be fulfilling in ways yet to be seen.
Heading somewhere foreign and warm sounds--especially delightful to me as I sit inside on another cold, dreary, rainy Oregon winter day. Little adventures are wonderful preparation for big adventures!
Thank you for sharing, Jason. Your career journey from searching to lawyer to writing is most interesting! I think this point you make cannot be underestimated: "The older I get, the more I’m convinced the secret to a good life isn’t in the answers we find but in the questions we ask."
I have found this to the case in my own journey as well. Rather than pursiung job titles, dollar amounts, or employers, I now wake up each day asking myself: "What adventures and experiences shall I have today?" Took me 5 decades to figure that once out!
Jason you are definitely a Renaissance Man! With each new piece you reveal another side of your life. You show that you have learned to live life on your own terms. What a wonderful revelation!
I am quite proud of you, even with only knowing you since the beginning of your Substack writing.
I have run the gamut of things I wanted to do with my life…. My problem is I couldn’t decide exactly what I wanted to do until I realized I was really great at working with elderly people. It was a job that paid poorly, but kept my heart and mind full.
Bravo Jason for having the courage to “jump” before the water was warm!
Courage, Strength of character and kindness are great traits alone- you have managed all three!!
This frank personal essay, accompanied by distinctive illustrations, exposes some essential truths about success, failure, health and wellness. So well done.
Thanks! For a long time, I was a stranger to the feeling of success but carried failure around like a third arm. It's the work of my lifetime to realize that these feelings largely come from inside me and that I can choose what I want to carry forward
Another beautifully written personal essay! Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I bailed on my higher education career five years before I'd planned to retire because I finally acknowledged it had devolved into a soul-sucking abyss. (I'm not bitter, am I?) I decided to write full-time, and it has opened new worlds for me, even though I have a bachelor's and a master's degree in fiction writing, and I've been writing all along (albeit not consistently).
You’re welcome, Jason. I consider myself very, very fortunate to have the resources to be able to quit. Not everyone does, and I don’t take it for granted.
Jason, Thank you for sharing your story. It's remarkable, brave and admirable. I'm really happy that you are finding your way here. 💚
Thanks, Pamela! Some days I feel closer to finding my way than others, but overall, I am much happier than I ever was as a lawyer
Jason, I am so happy for you that you are finding your way! I understand that some days one still feels lost, at 68 years old I go through that myself. We’re constantly changing and evolving.
Dear Jason, this is one of the best things I have ever read, and the brilliant artwork too. It spoke to me on a very deep level. I am changed by this piece, I saved it to return to whenever I need inspiration, practical and poetic.
🤗 Thank you, Marilyn! I'm grateful this piece found you when you needed it
Well, blow me down! Incredibly interesting and insightful post. I don't like the wilderness. Never have, but I suppose I have been through some versions of it. Contemplating moving out from the blanket fort next January to spend a couple months somewhere foreign and WARM. OK, I am a big chicken, but I think that "little adventure" might be fulfilling in ways yet to be seen.
Heading somewhere foreign and warm sounds--especially delightful to me as I sit inside on another cold, dreary, rainy Oregon winter day. Little adventures are wonderful preparation for big adventures!
Thank you for sharing, Jason. Your career journey from searching to lawyer to writing is most interesting! I think this point you make cannot be underestimated: "The older I get, the more I’m convinced the secret to a good life isn’t in the answers we find but in the questions we ask."
I have found this to the case in my own journey as well. Rather than pursiung job titles, dollar amounts, or employers, I now wake up each day asking myself: "What adventures and experiences shall I have today?" Took me 5 decades to figure that once out!
I'm still trying to get these lessons to stick!
Jason you are definitely a Renaissance Man! With each new piece you reveal another side of your life. You show that you have learned to live life on your own terms. What a wonderful revelation!
I am quite proud of you, even with only knowing you since the beginning of your Substack writing.
I have run the gamut of things I wanted to do with my life…. My problem is I couldn’t decide exactly what I wanted to do until I realized I was really great at working with elderly people. It was a job that paid poorly, but kept my heart and mind full.
Bravo Jason for having the courage to “jump” before the water was warm!
Courage, Strength of character and kindness are great traits alone- you have managed all three!!
Excellent Jason Bravo!!!!👏
Thanks, Pamela! You are most kind! 🤗
This frank personal essay, accompanied by distinctive illustrations, exposes some essential truths about success, failure, health and wellness. So well done.
Thanks! For a long time, I was a stranger to the feeling of success but carried failure around like a third arm. It's the work of my lifetime to realize that these feelings largely come from inside me and that I can choose what I want to carry forward
Good job, Jason, all together inspirational and uplifting. thanks
Thank you so much, Weston! And thank you for being such a generous supporter of my work.
Another beautifully written personal essay! Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I bailed on my higher education career five years before I'd planned to retire because I finally acknowledged it had devolved into a soul-sucking abyss. (I'm not bitter, am I?) I decided to write full-time, and it has opened new worlds for me, even though I have a bachelor's and a master's degree in fiction writing, and I've been writing all along (albeit not consistently).
Thank you for reading! I love that you listened to yourself and escaped the abyss to write full-time!
You’re welcome, Jason. I consider myself very, very fortunate to have the resources to be able to quit. Not everyone does, and I don’t take it for granted.
My heart needed to hear this story, thank you.