Lessons from a Life on the Move

Growing up, life was anything but stationary. My dad was in the armed forces, which meant moving frequently—and not during the convenient summer months when school was out. No, we moved in the middle of the school year, which brought its own set of challenges. For me, it was stressful. Starting over at a new school, standing in front of the class to introduce myself, and making new friends quickly wasn’t easy.

But looking back, those experiences shaped me. They taught me confidence, adaptability, and how to connect with others. The schooling systems weren’t consistent from province to province, so I often found myself either catching up or being ahead of the curriculum. Thankfully, I had a mother who was incredibly confident, and she passed that onto me. Her influence helped me handle these constant changes with resilience and a sense of self-assurance, which I believe strengthened my character.

I wasn’t the best student, though. I’ll admit, I had a rebellious streak. I didn’t enjoy following rules or conforming to the system. I loved art, but studying or traditional schooling? Not so much. Despite this, I did complete school, went on to college, and even studied at university. Along the way, I discovered that I had a knack for leadership and a passion for standing up for others. As a business leader, I always fought for employees’ rights and took the time to listen to their concerns. Could this rebellious nature and questioning of the system have made me a better listener? Perhaps.

What I did love in school were the hands-on classes—shops where I could create, make, and design things. I’ve always been drawn to learning, but on my own terms, not dictated by a rigid system. No teacher stands out as a mentor in my memory, and I wasn’t the easiest student to deal with. To every teacher I gave a hard time, I’d like to offer my apologies. Despite my resistance, they must have had an impact because I turned out okay—maybe even more than okay.

As a teenager, my focus was on socializing, connecting with friends, and soaking up the music of the time. The late '60s were alive with creativity and rebellion, and the music reflected that. I loved listening to Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and other iconic bands like The Doors, Cream, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Janis Joplin, Donovan, Steppenwolf, and Simon & Garfunkel. Bands like Deep Purple, formed in London in 1968 and considered pioneers of heavy metal, and Black Sabbath (formed as Earth in 1968) also shaped the sound of the era. Crosby, Stills & Nash, also formed in 1968, brought their harmonious blend to the mix. By 1969, bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival were dominating the charts with hits like "Proud Mary," "Green River," and "Bad Moon Rising." The Allman Brothers Band also emerged in 1969, adding their Southern rock influence to the scene.

During those years, my friends and I explored life through music, conversation, and, admittedly, experimenting with pot and psychedelics. It was a time of curiosity and self-discovery, where we sought to expand our minds and connect with the world in new ways. While those experiences were part of my journey, they also taught me the importance of balance and finding healthier ways to nurture creativity as I grew older.

We’d hitchhike to places like Wasaga Beach, sit around soaking in the beauty of life, and embrace everything it had to offer. We didn’t have much, but we didn’t need much either. We had each other, the music, our friends, and the good times. And honestly, that was everything. Those days were about living in the moment—no worries, no stress, just the freedom to explore and connect.

I can honestly say I have no regrets. Every experience, every laugh, every adventure shaped who I am today. Sure, life was a little wild at times, but it was real, raw, and beautiful. Those younger days taught me to live fully, love deeply, and embrace the ride, no matter where it takes you. Hitchhiking to the beach, hanging with friends, and being immersed in music and good times reminded me that life’s greatest treasures are often the simplest.

And then, of course, there’s Shella. To protect the innocent, of course, the names have been changed. 😂 I can still remember my first girlfriend—it was such a big deal back then during those formative years. Shella was her name. And yes, she broke my heart. I can still picture the moment: I had dropped her off at her house rather early one evening. She said she had to study, and I didn’t think much of it. Instead of heading home, I stopped at a nearby park and sat on a swing, just contemplating life. That’s when I noticed a car pulling up to her house. It was one of the Taylor boys. She got into the car, and they drove away.

The next day, we talked, and she kindly told me that she was going to date one of the Taylor boys. They ended up getting married and staying together until she passed. This had an impact on my life—it taught me that changes happen and emotions end as life goes on. I know it was something positive, a lesson in resilience and acceptance.

Life went on. But one thing stuck with me from that experience: I needed a car. 😂

And maybe that’s where the next chapter of my story begins...

Conclusion
Reflecting on my early years, I see how each challenge and change shaped me into the person I am today. Moving frequently taught me adaptability, while my rebellious streak helped me stand up for what I believe in. Those carefree teenage years, filled with music, friendships, and exploration, gave me a deep appreciation for life’s simplest joys. Every experience, even heartbreak, added a layer to the person I’ve become. Life is a journey, and I’m grateful for every twist and turn along the way.

FAQs

1. How did moving frequently as a child shape your personality?
Moving often taught me adaptability, confidence, and how to connect with people quickly. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me the resilience I carry with me today.

2. Why were hands-on classes your favorite in school?
I loved creating, designing, and working with my hands. Those classes allowed me to express myself and learn on my own terms, away from the rigidity of traditional academics.

3. What was the biggest lesson from your teenage years?
The biggest lesson was to embrace life fully—whether through music, friendships, or experiences. Those years also taught me resilience, balance, and the importance of finding healthier ways to nurture creativity as I grew older.