Post by Tom Rogerson

WHAT IS YOUR RAISON D’ÊTRE? ‘I HOPE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH BEING ALIVE’ - it said on the man’s hoodie. He was sitting at the next table in our chiringuito of choice on Castelldefels Beach yesterday at 9am. The phrase seemed apt as we buried our toes in the sand, drank freshly squeezed orange juice and ate scrambled eggs, avocado and smoked salmon on sourdough toast garnished with oversized cress in preparation for a padel tournament. It was an unusual morning routine for us in May, but it got the grey matter whirring. ❔ What is your raisin d’être? Surely it is not to work and work until you shuffle off this mortal coil. ❔ What are you working for? What are you aiming for? Am genuinely interested. ‘Success’ used to be my answer, but it’s not enough anymore. I am looking to expand my purpose horizons. Endeavour is one thing, but no one wants to be a busy fool. Sometimes it takes a couple of days away & a different scene to draw in some perspective. A friend, Simon Clark, is a supremely talented sports & fashion photographer. Like a few of us this year, he has scored a half century & we are celebrating his achievement this weekend. He seems to have worked it out - they moved to Barcelona 10 years ago. He clearly had a moment of clarity & thoughtfulness - a powerful epiphany - a long time ago. How did he do it? Is it a natural ability to see the bigger picture? Please do share your perspective on your ‘why’ if you can. (The theme of the gathering, if it wasn’t obvious, was ‘nautical’ by the way, hence the anchor face tattoo & the hat. Irfan H Latif FRSA said the picture has early Marlon Brando ‘On The Waterfront’ vibes - I’ll take that. Even if it is only because of the jaunty hat angle.) Barry Melissa Eve Edward Hugh Russell Robin Dr Pete Sam

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