This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
As I sit down to write this final column, I am filled with a mix of emotions - sadness, gratitude, and excitement for the new chapter that lies ahead.
It's hard to believe that it's been almost a decade since I first started writing for Mantalk. I was a fresh-faced man, full of ideas and passion for storytelling. Over the years, I've grown and evolved as a writer, and I've been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with all of you.
As I look back on the past 10 years, I am reminded of the many lessons I've learned. One of the most important is the importance of letting go. As the Dalai Lama so eloquently puts it, 'Most of our troubles are due to our passionate desire for attachment to things that we misapprehend as enduring entities.'
As I've grown older, I've come to realize that attachment is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can bring us comfort and security. On the other hand, it can also hold us back and prevent us from experiencing new things and growing as individuals.
As I prepare to move on to new challenges, I am reminded of the 10-year cycle that has been a constant in my life. At 21, I quit my medical laboratory job to pursue my passion for writing. At 31, I lost my magazine job in the recession and found myself as a freelance writer. And now, at 41, I know that it's time to shake things up and welcome new experiences and challenges.
I want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement over the years. It's been an honor to write for Mantalk, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have shared my thoughts and experiences with all of you.
As I close this chapter and move on to new ones, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. I know that the road ahead will be filled with its own set of challenges and opportunities, but I am ready to face them head-on.
And so, as I bid farewell to Mantalk, I want to leave you with the words of Shannon L. Alder, 'The only real battle in life is between hanging on and letting go.'
It's time for me to let go and move on to new adventures. Thank you for being part of my journey.
