By Marc-John Brown

As I reflect on my 35th birthday, I can’t help but think about the monumental journey that has shaped who I am today. From spiritual awakenings to the challenges of entrepreneurship and the joys of fatherhood, each chapter has been a step on a path of profound personal and professional growth. 

Here are three things I have learned in life’s journey so far.

1. There’s No Rush

Firstly, whatever it is you want, or are seeking, know that it doesn't need to happen right now. There’s a level of maturity in feeling satisfied in the present moment, wherever you’re at. 

If my 15-year quest for knowledge and personal growth taught me anything, it is the value of patience, and the beauty of living in the moment. In our fast-paced world, it can be a radical act to pause and appreciate where we are, giving gratitude for and seeing abundance in all that surrounds us. Growth and progress do not demand haste; sometimes, they require us to simply be.

2. Cultivate Inner Stability

The second lesson came from my foray into the world of business startups, entrepreneurship and the whirlwind of launching multiple companies. I learned the hard way that maintaining a secure foundation within oneself is crucial before pushing beyond our comfort zones. After facing burnout and near bankruptcy, I realised that true security starts within. This internal strength is what now empowers me to explore new horizons, knowing I have the resilience to weather any storm.

3. Design Your Life Around Feelings, Not Just Visions

Lastly, if your vision isn’t clear, focus on how you wish to feel. This insight was captured beautifully by the poet Antonio Machado, who famously wrote, “Traveller, there is no path to walk. The path is made by walking.” Reflecting on my own life—from meeting and marrying my amazing Peruvian wife and delving into shamanism, to experiencing the humbling limits of financial struggles, to raising 2 beautiful children—I’ve learned that shaping our lives around desired feelings can guide us toward fulfilling our deepest visions.

These insights are the lessons I am grateful for as I step into another year of life. They remind me, and hopefully you, that our lives are not just about the destinations we aim for but also about the journeys we undertake to reach them.

Here’s to walking the path, together.

Marc-John