Truly warmed by these incredibly kind words. Thank you. I'm honored this found you at a needed time and deeply grateful it resonated. Here's to all the steps ahead for you and all of us. May we be guided by goodness, friend.
Yes!!! I'm certain so many people around you see that beauty too! Sometimes we're so zoomed in on the uncertainty or the urgency of the hairball we're currently in, we can't see the goodness we're in the midst of. Glad you see it. Even gladder you're being it.
Ah! Glad you're here, neighbor! What a lovely visit. Truly. Thanks for the kind words. May you find courage, compassion, and curiousity in each new step!
I’ve been on a drug trial for many years because I have a rare hereditary gene that causes Alzheimer’s Disease in mid life (I’m 47 and symptomatic) and the trial ended suddenly last year and I was briefly devastated followed by relief of not having to have any more cognitive tests, lumbar punctures and MRIs.
Today my trial nurse emailed me to say that a new trial would be up and running by the end of the year and would I be interested in it - I immediately knew that I wanted to be on the new trial, it’ll be regular trips to the hospital in London BUT I feel compelled to say yes to anything that result in more understanding of the disease.
In my world, there are no failures in drug trials as something is always learned that guides future drug trials.
Fascinating, friend. Wow. Thank you for sharing this. Was particularly moved by your wording: "In my world, there are no failures in drug trials as something is always learned that guides future drug trials." True true true! In all things! You just spoke directly to what my wife and I have been exploring with our new book/art show thing. It's called 'Fail-A-Bration' and is about exactly that -- reimagining our relationships to failure and realizing it's all learning and growing. Part of the process of progress, right?! thank you so so so much for this, friend.
Martin! Thanks a ton! Appreciate the kind words about the illustrations. I am often a bit insecure about sharing my drawings because they don't exactly look like what was in my head! Ha. But I keep showing up and share them when I have the courage. Love the insight you share here regarding internal uncertainty vs external.
“He didn’t have it all figured out, but he did have principles.”
This is an incredibly powerful quote. One that I plan to add to my collection of things to remember while working, displayed on various post its on my computer monitor. :)
Brad, your work matters, and I’m so grateful that you continue to forge through the uncertainty and delight us with reminders that we’re all figuring this out as we go along.
I have been working for forty years and I have never heard a better way than "guided drift" to describe my career path (so much better than "aimless".) I did not appreciate Fred Rogers when I was a kid but I love him to bits now, and his wife sounds like a shining light. I am happy for you that you got to connect with her.
That was comforting. What I thought was just me not being able to settle down was actually a guided drift and a brilliant way to live life. Cheers Brad 😊
I can feel the tears coming, Brad. This is wonderful!
I often feel like my life (and brain) is like a confusing soup or a bucket of compost : a bit of this and a bit of that and then I got bored of that and moved onto this. And I often feel ashamed that it looks like such a mess - like I’m flakey and can’t stick at things and I never make much money.
But really I know I’m always working on the same Thing just in different ways. Guided drift is *exactly* what it is. I am so glad I read this today. Thank you so much and thank you Fred - that note to self is so beautifully revealing and inclusive - I’m glad we got to know him better through it.
Brad,
You are the modern-day Mr. Rogers, and I'm so grateful that you exist. I needed to visit with Mr. Rogers today and you made that happen.
Truly warmed by these incredibly kind words. Thank you. I'm honored this found you at a needed time and deeply grateful it resonated. Here's to all the steps ahead for you and all of us. May we be guided by goodness, friend.
Guided drift kind of sums up my life so far. And such beautiful places life has drifted to as an invisible energy guides me...
Thanks for writing this piece Brad @bradmontague
Yes!!! I'm certain so many people around you see that beauty too! Sometimes we're so zoomed in on the uncertainty or the urgency of the hairball we're currently in, we can't see the goodness we're in the midst of. Glad you see it. Even gladder you're being it.
Needed this. Thank you.
Oh I'm so happy. You're such a bright light and to know this meant something to you is a big deal. Thank YOU.
I also needed a visit with MR. Rogers and Brad. You both help me accept my doubts and fears and also help me not let them stop me. 🥰😘🥰
Ah! Glad you're here, neighbor! What a lovely visit. Truly. Thanks for the kind words. May you find courage, compassion, and curiousity in each new step!
This was perfectly timed!
I’ve been on a drug trial for many years because I have a rare hereditary gene that causes Alzheimer’s Disease in mid life (I’m 47 and symptomatic) and the trial ended suddenly last year and I was briefly devastated followed by relief of not having to have any more cognitive tests, lumbar punctures and MRIs.
Today my trial nurse emailed me to say that a new trial would be up and running by the end of the year and would I be interested in it - I immediately knew that I wanted to be on the new trial, it’ll be regular trips to the hospital in London BUT I feel compelled to say yes to anything that result in more understanding of the disease.
In my world, there are no failures in drug trials as something is always learned that guides future drug trials.
Fascinating, friend. Wow. Thank you for sharing this. Was particularly moved by your wording: "In my world, there are no failures in drug trials as something is always learned that guides future drug trials." True true true! In all things! You just spoke directly to what my wife and I have been exploring with our new book/art show thing. It's called 'Fail-A-Bration' and is about exactly that -- reimagining our relationships to failure and realizing it's all learning and growing. Part of the process of progress, right?! thank you so so so much for this, friend.
Thanks for sharing, Brad. My word, your illustrations are fab!
Internal uncertainty can be useful when those guiding principles are firmly in place.
As for external uncertainties, I guess it depends on their severity in each case.
Martin! Thanks a ton! Appreciate the kind words about the illustrations. I am often a bit insecure about sharing my drawings because they don't exactly look like what was in my head! Ha. But I keep showing up and share them when I have the courage. Love the insight you share here regarding internal uncertainty vs external.
Brad,
I appreciate you so very much. You are always such a huge encouragement!
Same, Marc. Same. You're a good one, neighbor.
“He didn’t have it all figured out, but he did have principles.”
This is an incredibly powerful quote. One that I plan to add to my collection of things to remember while working, displayed on various post its on my computer monitor. :)
Brad, your work matters, and I’m so grateful that you continue to forge through the uncertainty and delight us with reminders that we’re all figuring this out as we go along.
I have been working for forty years and I have never heard a better way than "guided drift" to describe my career path (so much better than "aimless".) I did not appreciate Fred Rogers when I was a kid but I love him to bits now, and his wife sounds like a shining light. I am happy for you that you got to connect with her.
That was comforting. What I thought was just me not being able to settle down was actually a guided drift and a brilliant way to live life. Cheers Brad 😊
Alt comment — tell me which you like better:
Restacking your own post and drawing me into feeling good about myself?
He can’t keep getting away with it! 😭
(eg. Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad, S05E12)
Restacking your own post and guided drifting me into your world? Too good! Too easy!
Thanks for speaking truth to power, State Farm (ie. like a Good Neighbour).
Even Mr. Rogers had his doubts. Knowing that makes having doubts much easier. Thank you, Brad!
I can feel the tears coming, Brad. This is wonderful!
I often feel like my life (and brain) is like a confusing soup or a bucket of compost : a bit of this and a bit of that and then I got bored of that and moved onto this. And I often feel ashamed that it looks like such a mess - like I’m flakey and can’t stick at things and I never make much money.
But really I know I’m always working on the same Thing just in different ways. Guided drift is *exactly* what it is. I am so glad I read this today. Thank you so much and thank you Fred - that note to self is so beautifully revealing and inclusive - I’m glad we got to know him better through it.
🎈
I learned something new today: guided drift. I love that, Brad! Thank you.
The Guided Drift--THANK YOU!
Sail on, sailor! Thanks for the many ways you encourage folks on their paths!