The Roaring 30s: Navigating Life, Love, and the Unexpected - A Look Back and a Leap Forward

01 Jun, 2025

What's on your mind today, fellas? As June kicks off, I've been deep in thought about the whirlwind that was the past year. Turning 37 in a few days has me reviewing the year and planning for this next trip around the sun.

One striking realization for me has been the stark contrast in my travel habits. For a decade, hopping on multiple planes a month was the norm. This past year? A grand total of five flights, and even that feels generous thanks to layovers in Monterrey, Mexico. My only "real" flight was Cancun to Toronto on October 8th, 2024. This from a guy who once clocked 113 days on the road in a single year, jetting between Thailand, the Middle East, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and countless East Coast destinations during the peak of my speaking business Rich Legacy.

I can blame it on no passport, yet my soul desired a change even if my brain didn't understand. Do I miss the constant altitude changes and the thrill of new horizons? Absolutely. There's something about experiencing different cultures and shifting your environment that truly invigorates the soul.

It's funny how life throws curveballs. This year of relative stillness, confined to Playa Del Carmen, Toronto, and Belleville, has offered a different kind of journey – an internal one.

The Solo vs. The Shared Journey:

Looking back at those travel-heavy years, a clear preference emerges: the joy of shared experiences. While solo travel has its own merits, the camaraderie, the banter, the support when one of you is feeling off – that's where the real magic lies. I've been fortunate to share those skies with good friends like Brad, whose extroverted nature often filled the silences I craved.

And yes, I've traveled with women too. It can bring its own set of complexities, but also profound rewards. Stephanie and I shared many flights in 2024, a testament to a deep connection. While our paths diverged, I hold no regrets and am grateful for the lessons learned.

The Unending Pursuit of Self-Improvement:

This period of reflection has also highlighted the constant need for growth. We can always strive to be better partners, better friends, better versions of ourselves. Love, patience, understanding – these aren't destinations we reach, but ongoing practices we must continually review and refine. It's about trusting the process, offering ourselves grace, and consistently seeking improvement.

Measuring the Immeasurable:

Setting goals is crucial, but how do you measure something as intangible as love? Did I love more today? Will I love myself more next year? Am I more self-compassionate now than I was 365 days ago?

This time last year paints a stark picture. Locked away, broke, barely surviving in Playa Del Carmen. The memory of almost being bankrupted by a taxi fare from the Cancun airport is still vivid. The fact that I clawed my way out of that situation to build the life I have now feels surreal.

Resilience Forged in Fire:

We've all been through the wringer in our own ways. As a kid, I never could have imagined this unconventional path. The sheer volume of travel, the single status at 37, the absence of marriage and children – it wasn't the script I envisioned. Do I have moments of wishing things were different? Sure. But this journey has undeniably forged a deeper sense of compassion and empathy. It has proven my resilience time and time again.

There were dark moments, times when the thought of ending it all felt overwhelming. But the fact that I'm still here, writing this, is a testament to an inner strength and a recurring mantra: "I have always pulled out of it."

Finances have been tight at times, shelter uncertain, even safety compromised. Yet, I've always found a way to eat, to survive. Perhaps the biggest threat I've faced has been my own internal battles. The near-misses, the dangerous situations – they serve as stark reminders of the fragility of life and the preciousness of this moment.

The Unwritten Chapters:

So, why am I still here? What am I meant to experience, to achieve? Family? A life partner? A greater impact on the world? Owning a jet? Another bestseller? Building a company that touches billions? Being the best uncle? More time on the slopes? More pure, unadulterated fun? Maybe even a Nobel Peace Prize? Creating more art that inspires change?

The list of unlived experiences is long and exciting. We have a choice: to lie down and let life happen to us, or to actively engage with the universe and create something meaningful. We know the path we'll choose. It won't be easy, but with focus and intention, the next 365 days hold incredible potential.

The Power of Reflection and the Promise of AI:

Moving forward, I plan to dedicate more time to intentional reflection, crafting a game plan for the year ahead. The key, as always, will be sticking to it, even with my natural inclination to chase inspiration down new and unexpected paths. This is where the power of AI comes in. Let it handle the building and creation, freeing up my mental space for bigger ideas and strategic thinking.

So, here's to another 365 days of betting on ourselves. To the discipline of daily writing and sharing our journeys. To the commitment of continuous self-improvement, even in small increments. To letting go of what no longer serves us and moving closer to the future versions of ourselves we aspire to be.

Here's to 37. Let's make it count.

What are your reflections on the past year? What are you betting on for the next 365 days? Email me your thoughts!

Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton33