When Micheal Jordan returned from the NBA after an extended hiatus his publicity manager was unsure how they should announce the news. So, he wrote a number of press releases for Micheal to choose from.
But Jordan didn’t like any of them. He said, “I’ll do it myself.” before picking up a pen and writing down the following message,
“I’m back.”
That was it. The entire press release consisted of just those two words. Yet, everyone who was anyone knew exactly who and what.
Of course, when you’re a legend like MJ you don’t need to say very much. In many respects, the less you say the better. You should let your actions do the talking.
Unfortunately most of us aren’t legends. Our actions usually don’t do the talking. That’s why we write!
As much as I like to think of myself as the Micheal Jordan of the blogging world, I feel my press realise needs to be a wee bit longer. Mainly because my actions haven’t been talking at all.
Honestly, the last couple of months have been difficult for me. It’s felt like I’ve been stuck in the past. Desperately wishing to catch up with my family – my present – who had been waiting for me in Singapore while I saw out the remaining months of my contract in Hong Kong.
Aside from failing to process some very difficult emotions, I’ve had a million and one things to do. I’m sure you can appreciate what a massive undertaking moving to a new country is.
For all of the above my motivation to write has gone begging. Instead, my muse has spent the last several weeks eating his emotions. I hesitate to point out he’s on a bit of weight..
This morning is the first time in a long time that I’ve sat down to really write and reflect. I quickly released how much I missed it. I released just how much I needed it. Even if my muse did struggle to get up from the couch!
I forget that writing helps me process my emotions. When I lose the motivation it may well be because I’m avoiding them. At any rate, I haven’t been.
All things not said and not done, all I have are excuses. It comes back to actions versus words. There’s nothing wrong with having words, but they must align with action. That’s what makes them true.
As a writer, well, that means creating some words.
I feel particularly guilty because I know how hard the rest of the team here at the new and vastly improved Wise and Shine have been working in my absence.
Let me take this opportunity to say how extremely grateful I am to all of you for your efforts. Your actions do speak louder than words. They haven’t gone unnoticed.
The good news is, I’m starting to feel like the seas are calming. Like I’ve finally caught up with my present self.
I actually moved to Singapore last week. I managed to negotiate leaving a week early so I could arrive in time for my eldest son’s 4 year birthday. He’d been asking where daddy is for several weeks.
So, when I walked through the front door with suitcases in hand, his eyes lit up. He shouted “Daddy!’ before running across the living room and giving me a huge hug. As I struggle to hold back the tears, I said nothing.
Not even the words, “I’m back.”
***
You can find more of AP2’s writing here at: https://wiseandshinezine.com
You can also find him on Medium at: https://anxiouspilot2.medium.com
You can also email him directly at: anxiouspilot2@gmail.com
I was wondering where you were and I’m glad you’re back!! Feel better it sounds like you’re on your way!!
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Thank you H! It’s good to finally be here and with my family in Singapore. We just moved in to our new apartment. I feel like I have some time and space to breathe again. Wishing you well 🙏😊
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Breathe deep, I hope Singapore is treating you and your family well!!
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It is. So far so good 😊 🙏
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Such a sweet ending to this post!
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🙏
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Hello AP2,
Welcome back. Your writing has intense power within it. I could feel your presence within every word. Please feel what needs to be felt.
I’m already looking forward to your next post.
Kind regards, Art
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Thank you Art. Glad to be back. I have missed the power of your writing too! 🙏
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You’re welcome, AP2. Thank you for your kind words. I could definitely relate to the subject of not processing emotions (to be honest, until recently I didn’t know how).
I admire your courage! Go for it!
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Welcome back, AP2, and especially welcome back with your family, where you belong! 💕🙏
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First time living in Singapore and yet it felt like I was coming home. As they say, home is where the heart (family) is. Thank you Jane. I hope you’ve been well 🙏😊
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Welcome back, AP! Congrats on the big move to Singapore and happy birthday to your eldest! What a sweet ending to your story.
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Hi Ab. Thank you 🙏 I’ve missed hearing about your adventures with T! I’ll be sure to pop round soon. Hope all is well with you and family 😊
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Your son’s shouting “Daddy!’ before running across the living room and giving me a huge hug . . . the best ‘Welcome Back’ any father could ever ask for AP.
Welcome back my friend from this ole blogger as well.
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It was a special moment. Thank you Fred. Hope all is well with you 🙏😊
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Beyond the excitement of transitions, I find them stress filled and exhausting. Hope you get nourishing rest with your dear family!
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Oh yes – super stressful/exhausting! I kept picturing myself now (back then) as motivation. It’s been very relaxing since I reunited with my family. Thank you Donna 🙏
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Nothing quite like a 4-year-old to bring us quickly back into the present! They are such a gift!!
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Absolutely. Children have a lot to teach us about being present. 🙏
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Aww, what a sweet story. Great to see you back. And we’re now neighbours! So cool to have one of the regulars be in my region. All the best with your return, and here’s to getting back in the groove.
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Oh yeah! I’ll be sure to let you know whenever we pop by KL for the weekend. Loving Singapore so far. Cheers Stuart! 🙏
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AP, congratulations on your move. Wish you lots of happiness and success. I know you are thrilled to be back with your family. Your son sounds like a great kid! ❤
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Thank you Cheryl. I’m a better man with my family around. My children are wonderful. I’m blessed 😇 I hope all is well with you and yours 🙏
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You know I’m crying, right?!😭 I can only imagine what you felt when your son yelled your name. I’m so happy you’re back! Enjoy Singapore!!
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Thank you Shaun. It was a very special moment indeed. Wishing you well 🙏
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Thrilled to be reading your thoughts in words again! I’ve appreciated sharing in your journey through change and am happy to welcome you back into my reading. Those ghostly voices don’t hold even a whisper to that wonderful sound of joy in your son’s voice – I am sure!! Enjoy this time of reunion and “rebirth”.
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Thank you Erika – that means a great deal. I fully intended to let go and relax for a bit! 🙂🙏
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Glad to see you and that was a lovely post.
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Thank you Barb 🙂🙏
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Welcome back! It is very difficult negotiating a move to another country without your family. My husband moved to Egypt a month before I arrived and I was so glad to see him at the airport. I was so touched to read about you arriving for your son’s birthday. Wishing you all the best for a new, happy future!
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Thank you Kerry. Much appreciated 😊🙏
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It’s hard being on your own while your family is in another country, but your announcement back was your presence. Your actions spoke louder than your words, after all. Great post, though there are some spelling mistakes (sorry for going grammar police on you 😶🌫️). I missed reading your work, even though I’m way behind on my reading because life and depression.
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No need to apologise – my spelling is atrocious! I need the grammar police on my back. I know the feeling of being behind. I only feel like I’ve just caught up with myself. Let alone everyone else! I appreciate your continued support despite life and depression. Don’t hesitate to take the time if you need it. The blogging world ain’t going anywhere. 🙂🙏
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Thank you for understanding
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Sometimes it takes the generosity of someone in our lives to show us where we are. Thank you for sharing that precious moment, and showing that in life sometimes it’s the actions of others that say all the words we couldn’t figure out how to.
Peace to you and your family my friend. And prayers for your time in Singapore to go well. 😊
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