Today exactly one year ago, I was robbed of a best friend, a partner in business and an inspirational figure in my life.
Eric van Gils was someone who made an immense difference. When you met him, you never forgot him. He was someone who had a presence about him and was thoughtful, kind and had a heart of gold….and was flippen bright.
I want to put together some thoughts of all the positive effects of what I have learned over the past 12 months:
Eric was someone that was always generous with his time. If someone had a problem, he would listen and help them solve it. I have learned to listen more and talk less. Sometimes it is not about solving a problem but more about how you handled the problem.
Time is also something that you can spend a lot of, but not have enough of. I have cut out a lot of the bullshit in my life and spending the time more with my family and the closest people around me. The same goes from a work perspective. If something or someone doesn’t bring value to me – why on earth force it? Dump it/them!! Spend time on the areas that bring value!! Have meaningful connections and relationships.
I have learned to do more enjoyable things. Take a few risks that I would never have taken before (both financially and personally).
Travel more. Have adventures. Do different things with the ones you love. Try learn something new every day. Cook gourmet food. Eat, drink and love and live life!! Don’t be remembered as the person always working. Don’t be remembered negatively. Switch off your phone when you get home to your family. Eat dinner together. Have alone time for yourself.
Don’t get me wrong – the normal stresses in life are still there and our business has continued. Every night when I come home – I figuratively take all my problems out of my pockets and hang them on the tree outside before going inside to see my family. The next morning, when I go back to the figurative tree to take my problems back for the day ahead – well….its amazing how many of them have blown away during the night and how I have so few that are left hanging there that I need to take back for the day ahead.
Eric – I miss you dearly every day. I miss your laughter, your smile and your sense of humour. I miss your intelligence and I miss my partner to bounce ideas off. Thank you for all the learnings over the past year and everything you taught me whilst we were partners. You were an immense part of my life. You left a massive hole in our lives and you also enriched my life and so many peoples lives.
You have allowed me to take off and fly solo, knowing that I am good enough to just be me…remembering you today and always my friend!!