About Me

About Me

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“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”

Howard Thurman

That’s one my favorite quotes. When I first read this it felt like someone had lit a match to my soul.

I’m Andres Valdes. Welcome to my blog; make yourself at home.

WHAT IS THIS BLOG ABOUT?

Great question.

I’m on a quest to learn what makes me (and others) “come alive.” Because people who are fully alive are difference-makers. I want to explore this idea that everyone has a calling, purpose, or vocation and see what we can learn.  I wish I picked an easier topic. But this is what inspires me.

And similar to my quest, this blog (and my life) are experiments in progress, so I might change course in a few months.

I have a bunche of ideas to blog about, but I’m trying to focus within these three categories:

  1. Self-Leadership
  2. Self-Development
  3. Self-Awareness

I’m motivated by several reasons, but mainly to figure “things” out, use my writing to explore specific ideas, and to connect with people doing epic stuff.  And by “things” I’m referring to what some people describe as one’s:

  • Calling
  • Vocation
  • Purpose
  • Sweet spot

By this point you think I’m either crazy or your curious.  Well, if you think I’m nuts than this blog obviously ain’t for you, bro. And if you like it, please contact me , say hello on twitter, or show me some love (leave a comment below).

WHO IS THIS BLOG FOR?

I’m not a guru. I don’t have the answers or a crystal ball, but I’m learning and looking for people to learn from. In fact, I’m a grasshopper, which means I’m still in trenches battling it out trying to figure things out. I’m inspired by my three favorite words: Purpose, Passion and Potential. Actually I’m obsessed with understanding these terms not just for me, but for others as well.

My goal is to inspire and encourage others as well as myself. I know there are tons of folks out there thinking about this stuff. I know you’re there; I see you. 🙂

WHAT IS MY MAIN HUSTLE? 

I’m really fortunate and blessed to have one of the most unique jobs in the world. Many people live to travel, but I travel to live.  I’m a U.S. Foreign Service Officer or diplomat. We are the people who work inside U.S. Embassies around the world. We are the ones you call when you lose your passport, get arrested, or run out of money abroad and need to call home. Actually, we do a lot more. You can learn more about the Foreign Service and diplomacy here.

But this blog is not about my career, foreign policy, or foreign visas. It’s about tackling the biggest and toughest questions about life that most of us have but avoid or just don’t think about.

You can find me working on my blog which I call my “Side-Hustle” between 0600AM and 0630AM. That’s right— 30 minutes per day, so don’t expect me to publish blog posts daily. Between work, family, and diapers I stay busy enough. Everyday day I’m hustling, except Sundays. Even God rested on the 7th day.

WHERE DOES MY INSPIRATION COME FROM?

My inspiration comes from lots of places:

  • My Christian faith (but this not a religious blog.)
  • Experiences (good and bad)
  • Movies
  • Quotes
  • People
  • Random ideas/events

I love connecting random events with stories of deeper meaning.

WHAT DRIVES ME CRAZY?

The thing that drives me the craziest in this world our people with loads of potential who don’t do use it. I want to do something about this. This reminds me of what Aristotle said,

 Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation.

WHY START A BLOG IF I DON’T LIKE WRITING?:

I don’t claim to be a good writer. In fact, I’m pretty bad. The reason I write is because the mental clarity it produces. Plus, I love the creativity involved. And like you, I have my own unique perspective which I feel can help others. I get more inspiration from regular folks who do awesome things than all of the super accomplished people out there. These are the people I want to connect with and maybe interview for this blog.

WHO AM I?

Family In Japan

I’m obsessed with living intentionally, investing my time, and making a difference. After my faith and health, my wife and kids come next on my priority list. The most important titles in my life are husband and father. I have a great wife and the awesomest three little girls ever. They are my daily motivation to hustle hard.

I still have student loans, make a lot of typos, and am terrible with math. I’m human. I’m an ordinary guy who wants to live an extraordinary life. And I suspect you might be too.

I also enjoy long walks on the beach. 😉

FUN AND RANDOM FACTS:

  • My wife and I trecked thru the mountains in Rwanda to see gorillas in wild.
  • Spelling, math, and calendars are like kryptonite to me. Seriously!
  • I’m an introvert, who loves public speaking.
  • I was kicked out of a Catholic high school after my first year.
  • I have lived in seven countries by now- either as a student or professional.

FAVORITE MOVIES:

  1. Braveheart
  2. The Pursuit of Happiness
  3. The Great Debaters
  4. The Matrix
  5. Jonny Q