Everyone’s Journey Is Different
Mine was a Response to Adversity
Anyone who’s been through the break-up of a nuclear family understands how life-altering such events can be. There are no winners, and sadly, everyone loses in some way.
I won’t go into the details of why the marriage failed, but there were children involved; one was hers, and one was ours —separated by 10 years.
I also had two children from a previous marriage whom I saw every other weekend. They were also impacted. As I said, there are no winners in this situation.
Not long after my second wife and I separated, I became a single dad with full custody. My six-year-old required stability, consistency, and unconditional acceptance and love. The latter, I was confident, I could do with my eyes closed. I did my best to supply the rest.
Over the years, he became increasingly invisible to his older siblings, who had begun their own lives and formed their own families. I felt bad for him in that regard, as all three siblings moved out of state.
My second mountain mission in these early years was not only to survive as a single parent but also to create a lifestyle that he could emulate and build upon after I departed this world.
It was the first in a series of challenging climbs I would attempt in my second mountain journey.
Jeremy, Bethany, and Benjamin, 1991
Jay, my youngest, in 2020.
Subsequent Expeditions…
By the time my young son was 18, I’d begun to explore my three primary interests in depth: self-improvement, Buddhist-inspired spiritual growth, and achieving financial security without relying on a traditional job..
My study of self-improvement started while I was in medical school in the late 1980s. I read several of Dr. Wayne Dyer’s books and never missed one of his PBS appearances. His book, Your Sacred Self, was probably the most influential book I’d read at the time; his work would prepare me for my later studies in Buddhism.
After leaving my family’s faith tradition, I trained under Tibetan and Soto Zen Buddhist teachers, exploring the practices of mindfulness and meditation. I further trained as a meditation teacher and coach and began writing brief books related to these areas.
Income security has always been a topic of deep interest. When Tim Ferriss published The 4-Hour Workweek in 2007, it changed everything for me. It’s a self-improvement book that challenges the traditional work-life norms and introduces concepts such as mini-vacations, working from anywhere, and designing a lifestyle that prioritizes mobility and time freedom.
Today, I’m investing more time and energy in making these areas accessible to my readers through brief books, courses, and other resources that will outlast me.
What I’ve Learned About the Journey
The Second Mountain journey can begin at any time, and we often don't notice when it starts. Over time, we realize the interests and life themes that are most important to us.
Our journey often starts here, but the climb isn't straightforward, just like mountain trails are rarely straight and obstacle-free.
The first steps on the journey might be uncertain, but as we explore, the way unfolds before us.
I invite you to join me on this journey of a lifetime. No matter where you are now, it only takes a single step to begin the journey.
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The ‘Climbing the Second Mountain’ email letters speak to thoughtful individuals 50 and beyond who:
Feel accomplished in many ways, yet sense there's something more meaningful ahead
Are drawn to spiritual growth (particularly Buddhist concepts like mindfulness, non-attachment, and compassion)
Want to maintain or enhance financial security by sharing their knowledge and wisdom
Seek community with others navigating similar terrain
Have valuable knowledge, skills, or wisdom to share but aren't sure how to package and offer it
Value both inner peace and outer purpose
