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Morning friend ☕️
I had planned to publish the full version of this post this morning.
It’s mostly written. It’s about the list I made when I woke up after surgery in June, and what has actually happened to it in the seventy-five days since.
But it deserves a clear head, and this week I haven’t had one.
So I’m giving it another week.
Today, I want to tell you about one item on that list.
Grab your coffee.
Let’s chat.
———————————————————————————
Here is the list.
I wrote it here in June, a few hours after waking at 11:39am with the TV above my bed tuned to a radio channel. I remember being surprised at how easily it came.
Coffee at home.
Laughing with my wife.
Watching my son grow up.
Walking outside in the sun.
Feeling normal again.
That's it. That's the whole thing. No career. No milestones. Nothing from the to-do list I had been carrying around for months. Five ordinary things, and I have never been more certain about anything in my life.
———————————————————————————
Next Monday I'm going to check it.
Honestly, item by item, against how I have actually been living since.
Is that list of items still as precious as it was when I woke up after surgery?
Or have I already forgotten what it felt like going into the procedure?
Is life back to “normal” now?
I already know it will not be a clean scorecard.
That's rather the point, and it's why the post needs more care than tonight allows.
———————————————————————————
Although I can tell you about list item two.
It's Dhivanee's birthday today. 🥳
My wife, my best friend, my partner. And the second thing on a list I wrote before I was really awake (I can see the order becoming a problem...)
Nervously happy days back in April at the breathtaking Quoin Rock wine estate. Grateful for every moment we had together before the op. If you’re ever in Cape Town, it’s well worth a visit.
In June I wrote that I wasn't afraid going into the theatre. That was true, and I've thought since about why it was so easy to be calm.
It helps when somebody else is there for you. Carrying the weight of it all.
She did the waiting. The months of tests and follow-ups before it. The part afterwards where I was not much use to anybody, for longer than I'd like to admit.
None of that made it onto my list, because I got to be the one lying down.
Happy birthday, Dhivs. Have a wonderful day!
Thank you for holding the fort while I couldn't.
In the meantime.
You have a list like this somewhere.
Maybe from after a funeral. Or a diagnosis. Or a near-miss on the N1. Or one of those New Years where you actually meant it.
Most of us make one at some point. Very few of us go back and read it.
Find yours this week, if you can. Don't grade it yet. Just read it.
I'll go first next Monday.
Hit reply and tell me what was on yours. I read every one.
Until next Monday, friend ☕️
Vaugan
Next week on scarymanagement.com!
The list, checked properly.
A gratitude post.
Item by item, eighty-one days on.
I don't know yet whether it's a confession or a scorecard. Probably both.
Subscribe so you don't miss it!
Uncle Maga’s Chess Puzzle
This section is in honour of my late father-in-law Uncle Maga, who rekindled my love for chess.
Solution here
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This post contains parody and satirical references to well-known characters, shows, and cultural icons. It is created for educational and humorous commentary on management and leadership. ScaryManagement is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any television networks, film studios, comic publishers, production companies, or performers referenced. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners. No infringement is intended. This use is intended as parody and commentary under fair use and related protections in the US, UK, EU, and South African law.