Where Have You Been and Where Are You Going?
A few years ago (2018, I believe), I decided to take a hiatus from public speaking, writing (books, etc.), and podcasting for personal reasons. I felt it was essential to do so as a lot was going on in life that required me to be present. Literally and figuratively, and the distractions associated with doing public speaking events, appearing on shows and podcasts, and even writing (something I enjoy very much) didn’t seem worth the cost when I looked at the cost-benefit analysis. There was work to be done in other areas of life, and that work — professionally and personally, took precedent. I am happy to say that this work is ongoing (as all good results ought to be) and that through it, many wonderful things have come into being and transpired (and I am sure many more are to come). Through the years that followed that decision, I did some blogging professionally and some podcasting but no works of authorship that I pursued with publishers or shared publicly. It was a time to reflect, reexamine, interrogate, challenge, and affirm much in my life.
I am pleased to say that I believe it is time to re-enter the ‘public’ world in speaking, lecturing, writing, podcasting, etc., professionally in and through the opportunities presented to me via my day job and those that are not. Journeys are funny things. Beyond the normative, standard definitions related to traveling from one physical place to another, there’s a more critical; personal meaning associated with and ascribed to journeys. For me, it was rediscovering who I am, in addition to what I believe (and why), who I value(d), and love (and how best to honor them in all the ways one should). And last but not least, the most efficient way to model an example for my children which reflects the beliefs I subscribe to without confusing the journey — in its entirety — peaks and values alike, with vain pursuits. So, all this to say that I am back and will be writing more. Blogging, journaling (for public consumption my thoughts, opinions, question wonderment regarding all that I am willing to share publicly), podcasting, and yes, working on books (related to intelligence and cybersecurity and not related — more on that to come!).
The journey is afoot. And in the immortal words of J.R.R. Tolkien, “…not all those who wander are lost.”. Be well, friends. Yours in Him.
Will Gragido
