I’m a father, husband, son, brother, friend, investor, technology enthusiast, entrepreneur, IBMer (all views are mine), …

Actually, when I think about it, those are but the many roles I play in life and at work. I enjoy them all immensely — especially being a father; it is trying, exhausting, demanding, yet one of the most rewarding experiences, teaching me more about myself than I ever imagined. But that’s all they are: roles.

So if I’m not those roles, how do I really describe myself? My best attempt is that I’m just someone on a journey. To learn, to understand, to practice, to pursue happiness. I find thoughts in the Declaration of Independence incredibly inspiring — life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. What pristine ideas.

I submit that we all are in the pursuit of happiness — whether we recognize it as such or not. It is easy though, to associate our identity with the roles we play. Unfortunately, roles eventually end. We move from one role to another. And that can really play tricks with our identity. Recognizing ourselves as separate from our roles can be liberating. That being said, keeping that recognition front of mind, all the time, is darn hard. And so, the journey continues.

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts (start with the material world and the subtle world), and sharing yours.

Cheers,
Deven