Stories we live and leave behind

The Unlived Stories

It’s easy to romanticise the "roads not taken"—those dreams and ambitions we’ve set aside, consciously or unconsciously. These unlived stories have an almost haunting presence, lingering in the back of our minds, whispering "what if?" Perhaps it's a creative pursuit left unexplored, a career move we didn’t make, or a relationship that didn’t come to fruition. We all carry these dormant possibilities.

But the real question isn't just about why these stories remain unlived. It’s about what they reveal about us. Have we set these dreams aside out of fear or out of wisdom? And more importantly, what does this say about how we are choosing to live now? For me, as someone who has walked a winding path that includes the worlds of business, leadership, shamanic practice, and community-building, I know that certain stories in my life were postponed or transformed. However, every choice—whether to act or to refrain—carries a weight, a meaning, and an insight into our evolving sense of self.

The fierce thinkers around me and I often grapple with these questions. But we understand that it’s not about regret. It’s about recognizing that every unlived story informs who we are today and how we choose to move forward. In our gatherings, we create a safe space to confront these potential lives and to understand their role in the greater story we are crafting now.

Choosing Purpose Over Comfort

In a world that celebrates stability, the choice to pursue purpose often comes at a cost. There have been moments in my life where I could have chosen the safer, more conventional route. But deep down, I knew that my story wasn’t meant to be one of quiet comfort. It was meant to be a story of exploration, of growth, and of creating spaces—both literal and metaphorical—where others could discover their own potential.

Choosing purpose over comfort is not about grand gestures or making drastic changes. Often, it’s about small, deliberate decisions that align with a deeper sense of meaning. It’s about showing up for conversations that challenge you, committing to communities that stretch you, and being willing to ask yourself the difficult questions: Am I living the life that truly reflects who I am and who I want to be?

The Fierce Thinkers Society was born from such choices. It is a manifestation of my desire to create a space where purpose drives the conversation, where comfort is not the goal, but rather, a deep, fulfilling connection to ourselves and to the world around us. This choice—to facilitate these dinners, to curate these experiences—is, in itself, part of the story I choose to live.

Writing the Final Chapter

In our society, we often think of legacy in grand terms—monuments built, titles earned, wealth passed down. But in our candlelit gatherings, we talk about legacy in a different way. We talk about the ripple effects of our words, our actions, and the energy we bring into the world. For me, the final chapter of my life won’t be about accolades or accomplishments. It will be about the connections I’ve fostered, the ideas I’ve helped cultivate, and the courage I’ve inspired in others to pursue their own stories.

At the end of the day, we only know two things for certain: we live, and we die. Everything in between is a series of choices that define the story of our lives. And when we stand at the edge of life, looking back, the stories we choose to leave behind won’t be measured by their grandeur but by their authenticity. Did we live in a way that was true to ourselves? Did we take the risks that mattered? Did we leave the world a little better, a little more compassionate, or a little more inspired than we found it?

The Stories We Craft Together

As I continue to curate spaces for conversation, reflection, and community through the Fierce Thinkers Society, I recognize that my story is intertwined with the stories of those who gather around the table. Each of us is shaping not only our individual lives but also a collective narrative about what it means to live a wise, just, and purposeful life.

In the end, the stories I choose to live and leave behind will be ones of connection, courage, and creation. 

And I invite everyone who joins our conversations to consider this question for themselves: What stories will you choose to live and leave behind?