Beyond Beauty, Paris

This September will be my first time attending Beyond Beauty - a trade show for the beauty industry. It'll be nearly a year since our last trip to Paris and we are fortunate enough to be returning so soon. We'll be renting a little apartment in Le Marais this time. The pictures online seem nice and and more affordable than a fancy hotel. Besides, I can't imagine eating out for an entire week or going without my own coffee every morning.

Not Your Career Minded

I've always been fascinated by how many of Bill's friends came to be so happy in their careers. These individuals are good at what they do, respected by their peers, and, on most days, love their work. For a while, I had mistakenly believed that it was dumb luck or simply because they were older and had time to figure everything out.

Turning 30 this year hasn't really made me feel any different except that the creeping sense of urgency to accomplish something, anything amazing... is now my daily torment. I was reading recently about how it's important to listen to your gut, to believe in yourself, and to surround yourself with people who will support and propel you forward. This all sounds like elementary bullsh*t but more and more I've been thinking that we've played it wrong. (I say we because I know I'm not the only one that feels this way.)

I imagine young Bill and his friends running blindly forward... at times stumbling, broke, and drunk but almost always doing what they liked and what was fun. On the other hand, it seems like it's been the opposite for me. I chose a career and am working towards loving it. I'm appreciative of all the opportunities my family business has provided for me, but I want to fall in love with work. I think that's the best way to give back to the company.