Symbols are very powerful reminders to human beings about who we are and what we believe. For me, the World Domination Summit (WDS) that I’m currently attending in Portland, OR (see an earlier post for what this is all about) for the fourth time has been an integral part of my post-divorce metamorphosis.

Through witnessing transformative speakers and meeting motivating and like-minded friends, this conference has allowed me to think differently about my life as a teacher, a father, and just trying to be the best person I can be.

For a number of reasons cited by the organizers, this is the tenth and final WDS. Therefore, the challenge will be to keep this unconventional energy and mentality going on my own in the years after the end of this event.

Of course, I have many friends and resources that I’ve amassed over the years to rely on, as well as other conferences that I can attend as well. However, no matter what, the ultimate responsibility to continuously improve is on me.

That’s why I decided to use a symbol to remind me of that responsibility.

Believe it or not, at the age of 48, I got my first small, but actual tattoo of a globe (which is one symbol of WDS) on Friday night at the Opening Party.

Now, I have a permanent visual of what WDS has meant to me as well as a representation of the ideals of the event that will always be with me, as I move forward with trying to continue living a remarkable life in a conventional world.