Sitting in this booth that I often write in.  This Monday, I felt no self-doubt, no second-guessing of SELF.

Why?

A simple decision.  That’s honestly it.  And, more awareness and sight and understanding of what this day’s Mike Madigan brings with it.

Coffee and composition, taking a new Rep (Inside Sales) out to lunch, Texanita up the street.

Everything, so clear and I find myself asking today’s Mike… “Why today?  And why at this age?  I need to know what the fuck took you so long”

None of that will help, but just entertain it for a bit, I suggest to myself, and you reading.

Why today – Because, why not?  What’s wrong with today?

Why at this age – Doesn’t fucking matter.

Okay, and I’ll touch on the ‘What took so long?’…My answer, LIFE.  And, to expand, PERFECT TIMING.

Think I saw Lil Wayne say that in an interview several years ago, and I remember thinking and still think when it hops into my head, “That’s so true!  Per-fect ti-ming.”

How I’m feeling today.  Quiet and with more character composition.  And, plainly, happiness.  Imagine that.

It sounds almost too clean, too packaged, but there’s something in it that brightens.  Not because it excuses anything—but because it reframes. 

The missed chances, the wrong turns, the seasons where nothing seemed to move—they weren’t empty.  They were assembling you in ways you couldn’t see while you were inside them.

How do I feel today?

Quieter.  Not empty—just less cluttered.  Like the noise finally got bored and left the room.  There’s something forming here, something with edges and intention. 

Character, maybe. Not the kind you perform, but the kind that settles without asking.

And happiness—strange word for it, but close enough.  Not loud, not explosive. Just a steady, unremarkable okayness that feels…earned. Like you don’t need to chase it or prove it. 

It’s just there, sitting beside you, not asking for anything.

Imagine that.