It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 6 months Today since my wife and I moved back from the land of Aloha, oceans, and mountains.

It’s been an abrupt but gradual transition back into the life we used to live for 25+ years before we experienced the Aloha lifestyle.

The biggest changes are the weather, schedule changes, overall hustle and bustle, and lack of Aloha. We've had grey skies for about 90% of the time since we've been back which I've noticed has been a larger factor in how I feel. I notice each of these big changes affecting my demeanor and emotions and really need to battle for balance - both personally and professionally.

Within the same vein, as a designer and entrepreneur living outside of the Valley, I have to constantly tell myself that where I am doesn’t define who I am. It's important that we stay aware and grateful for where we are, what we have, and who we're with.

Anyone can have a huge impact right where you are, from where you are. The internet has opened so many doors that location is almost irrelevant. On the flip side, if you have an idea and you accept funding, you may be persuaded to move to SF or another hub where your investors hail from, but you can turn it down. In the end you always have choice.

Technology and the remote economy gives us the power to make a difference right where we are. There are sacrifices and shortcomings of remote work but you work wherever makes you happy.

There are pros and cons to every location, your career might excel faster in SF, but you miss out on your family back home. If family is important to you, you can make it work. If you’re at home, you can make connections - attending conferences like Epicurrence, Circles and ValioCon that are smaller, more intimate, and encourage you to get out of your comfort zone to build relationships with many of the amazingly talented and humble people in our industry.

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt

Don’t let the negative thoughts or the fear of missing out take a stronghold in your life.

Don’t let where you are define who you are.