who I am — GPE Stratagem Blog

By my count I am one blog away from having written 500 blogs on my two websites combined. I thought it would an interesting idea to write this blogs based on the common threads that have woven themselves through the last 499 I’ve written — here it is.

“Who am I?” Such a big question for so few words.

I affectionately like to say I’m one third “poor scientist”, one third “poor artist”, and one third “poor philosopher” — this is somewhat tongue in cheek but it also represents the core aspects of who I am and how I approach the world. I should mention that when I say poor, I am not referring to their value but that I am not particularly good at any one of them — although, as a whole, I have done alright by it.

If I take this one step further and ask what is most important for each of these characters, it would look something like this:

The poor scientist, who is really interested in the biological sciences, would say health is most important — specifically a healthy metabolic pathway, a controlled dopamine pathway and the need for motion (as well as mobility). In short, eat healthy, keep your addictions to a minimum and stay active. Remember what it feels like to feel good.

The poor artist would simply remind you to create — take what is in your head (or soul) and express it, make it real and share it with the world. Make your presence known and let the world answer your calling. Creativity just doesn’t refer to paintings or interpretive “sculptures of happiness” — if you have an idea for an app that will help small businesses with financial modelling as the company scales, bring it to life and share it! Creatively make things happen and don’t be afraid to shine.

The poor philosopher would insist you stay curious — he would tell you that learning is a lifetime endeavour, to always be asking questions, and that critical understanding is important when looking at the world. Change your perspective, walk in someone else’s shoes and remember you know so very little. Go forth and explore.

So when the journey has stripped me bare and I’ve taken a knee, I force a wry smile and stand. I rely on the foundational health of my body and soul, wrap myself in curiosity and create something as I continue to make my way. I suppose this is what got me to my 500th blog.

This is who I am.

iamgpe

PS: the best answer to the question “Who am I?” I’ve ever heard:

“I’ve fought in two World Wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I’ve led thousands of men into battle with everything from horses and swords to artillery and tanks. I’ve seen the headwaters of the Nile and tribes of natives no white man had ever seen before. I’ve won and lost a dozen fortunes. Killed many men and loved only one woman with a passion a flea like you could never begin to understand. That’s who I am.” — from the movie Secondhand Lions