(#019) Never compromise on karma

Last year, on February 12th, I wrote a letter to my future self—ten years ahead—when I’ll be 54.

The letter was titled "On Renewal", and—as the title suggests—it was part of a broader process of self-renewal I was going through (which I documented in detail here). It was my way of clearing the lens from the daily discomforts and fears of building a new life—of letting go of a self that no longer served me.

One line I had written in bold still echoes strongly today:

“Never compromise on the karma of the business by working with people who are useful but not net-positive in your life!”

Throughout most of my professional life, I’d accepted the idea that dealing with difficult, ill-meaning, self-centered, narrow-minded, or emotionally barren people was simply part of the job. It was the tax you paid to succeed—and part of why I earned my keep was precisely my ability to navigate and tolerate those dynamics.

I don’t know how the universe works, or if that’s true. All I know is that—for me—no más.

This week, I was in Desenzano to meet a dear friend (we will call him M). Someone I met not so long ago (in 2021), but with whom a deep bond quickly formed starting from the unique circumstances of our meeting. That friendship has continued to grow and enrich my life ever since. He also happens to be a rare blend: a brilliant fitness guru, a relentless entrepreneur, and a remarkably spiritual soul.

I visited him because there’s something very special I’ve been working on—a business idea that’s taking shape alongside Jam Nation. I decided to explore it seriously after my personal success in lowering my cholesterol last year (the full story is here).

We spent an hour reviewing samples, preparing a small batch of the product, and diving into conversations about production, promotion, and everything in between.

I don’t know where this journey will lead us. But being in his presence felt like a balm for my soul.

I knew what we were discussing had great commercial potential, but it also felt positive, exciting, constructive, smart, and, simply, good.

From the perspective of my 54-year-old self, my meeting with M this week was a memorable success.

L.F