A Good Run

Time To Mix Things Up

When is the right time to stop?

Or to re-evaluate something?

Since the spring, I realized I have been nearing 100 issues of Jamie’s Monthly.

This winter would mark 9 full years of writing and reaching your inbox.

Here at 95 or 96 of them, I am ready to call it a day on this publication.

Since the idea of reaching such a milestone was possible I have been slowly processing what this has been, where it is now and where it (or I) needs to go.

As I sit and write (attempting to do this in one sitting) I have a real mixture of feelings.

A bit of relief and happiness - a sense of freedom on one hand.

And on the other, some fear and sadness.

When I look back on earlier issues in the first few years I tend to cringe at my writing.

Today, I look back at this run the last 4 of 5 years and I genuinely enjoy it.

I enjoy writing and it’s been rewarding to see it improve. Or at least my satisfaction with it.

I also love the things I have shared and introduced you to.

I love my photos. They are so good!

I love having a record of time and place.

What was I doing November 2019? Not sure, but I can quickly find out!

A few years ago I worked with a coach and one of the things we discussed in one session was this newsletter and the tension I felt around writing and publishing it.

They helped me with the prompt “Is this true?” to get through writers block.

And ever since then, this place has been a big part of how I process my world.

However, living parts of my personal and professional life in public is an interesting experience.

I think in some respects I have become synonymous within my circles as someone who is willing and able to share.

For better or worse.

Like many of you have, I’ve also navigated some scary and challenging experiences these years.

This newsletter provided the opportunity to share and connect when I needed it most.

We all find our own ways, and this has been a big part of mine.

8 years ago I was living in Berlin, unsure of what was next in work and where I would live.

Fast forward to today and I am wrestling (playing) with the exact same questions.

Funny, that.

Also, some of us have never met.

There are literally people reading this and I don’t know who they are.

But they read and like every time I post.

Kind of incredible.

Thanks to people forwarding and sharing this every so often, new people sign-up and join the ride.

And then there are many of you who I know very well and this has been our chance to keep in touch, without a regular meet or phone call.

And many more of you in-between.

I hope you have enjoyed it - all of you.

I have just come to a moment where I want (and need) to focus on new projects or ways of expressing myself.

Maybe you’ll hear from me again here launching a hotel review blog or to share photo essays from the mega-cities of the world.

I have always wanted to visit Kinshasa and Karachi. Hmmm.

Or maybe it’s time for some fiction.

Let’s see.

Was thinking of signing off this note by looking back and sharing the photo that I think is my favourite from all these years.

Instead, I will go with yesterday’s trip to the seaside for my swim.

Rather ominous looking in sky, but exactly the invigorating feeling from the water I need and welcome.

Thank you for being here and reading all these times.

For those Day 1 readers, not quite a decade, but close enough!

Incredibly grateful for all the replies, conversations and friendships.

See you all elsewhere, surely.

Best, Jamie.

Without hearing this passage below from Tyler Cowen last week, this issue likely doesn’t happen today. Probably in the future in a different way, but it was a nudge I welcomed.

Rick:

Last time we spoke you said you didn’t see happiness as a worthy goal. What do you see as the primary measures of a life well lived?

Tyler:

I think you should have projects, and work on your projects. And build them out and try to improve them. And in the process try to improve yourself.

I think you’ll end up happier that way.

I am not against happiness.

But if you target happiness I’m pretty sure that’s a disaster.

And you ask, what are generic pieces of advice that I give?

This is one of them.

Tell people about your projects.

What is like your signature product you are most proud of?

Or most interested in doing?

Does it really resonate with you?

Do you surround yourself with people that believe in that?

Simple stuff, but people don’t always think it through.

Rick:

So, productivity is number one for you AND the way you feel, based on being productive is the reward?

Tyler:

Absolutely.

And this includes family.

One of your projects is to build out, in some manner a successful family life.