Why I’m Starting to Share My Journey Online
Recording myself for a YouTube video feels strange, but I’ve decided to take the leap. Why? There are two main reasons, and they both mean a lot to me.
1. Capturing Memories and Growth
This year, I turn 40. Four decades of life have brought so many experiences—things I’ve seen, done, and learned—and I’ve realized I haven’t done a great job of capturing those moments. I don’t want to dwell on the past, but I do want to hold onto those memories better.
It’s not about living in nostalgia. It’s about saying, “Yeah, the good old days were great, but look how much we’ve grown since then.” Being able to reflect on that growth is important to me. Life changes over time, and being able to look back and see progress is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come.
2. Sharing What I’ve Learned
The second reason is about sharing the lessons I’ve picked up along the way. Life teaches us a lot, often in ways that no classroom ever could. I’ve been fortunate to learn from amazing people—and some not-so-amazing ones—and I want to pass those lessons along.
Let me be clear: I’m not trying to be some internet guru. That’s not my vibe. My goal is to share my experiences, especially the hard lessons and things people have asked me for advice on over the years. Maybe these insights will help someone else. Maybe they’ll resonate with my kids one day. Either way, I hope this effort leaves something meaningful behind.
A Little About Me
Here’s a quick intro in case you’re wondering why you should listen to me. My name’s AJ. I’m a husband, a father, and someone who works hard to juggle all of life’s demands. Every day, I try to do something a little better than the day before.
Professionally, I’ve been an engineer for over 16 years, currently working as a chief engineer and engineering project manager at a larger firm. I’ve also spent 20+ years in the service industry, working in nightlife as a DJ and in various roles. Between engineering and nightlife, I’ve had the privilege of learning from the best—and sometimes the worst—and those lessons have shaped who I am.
While my formal education taught me a lot, the most impactful lessons in my life came from outside the classroom. My undergrad and master’s experiences were great, but life itself has been the ultimate teacher. That’s why I want to share these stories and insights: they’ve helped me, and I hope they can help someone else too.
Why Now?
Honestly, I hate being on camera. It’s awkward and uncomfortable. But I made a promise to myself that 2025 would be the year I stop dragging my feet. This is the year of getting started.
By sharing my journey, I’m also hoping to connect with others. Maybe these videos will help someone out there, or maybe they’ll just help me organize my thoughts and keep track of my life. Either way, if even one person benefits, it’ll be worth it.
Join Me on This Journey
This is just the beginning. I’m excited to share my experiences, lessons, and growth with you. If you’re here, thank you for joining me. I hope we can all grow together.
So, let’s get started. Like, follow, comment—do all the YouTube things—and let’s make 2025 a year of progress and connection. Happy New Year, and I’ll talk to you again soon!