This weekend, I shared a story about a young woman who asked me how she could set herself up for future financial success. I told her that the best education comes from living life fully—scars, stories, and all. Your response to that post was overwhelming, and I’m grateful for the thoughtful feedback. Today, I want to highlight one reader’s note that struck a chord and dive deeper into what it means to embrace our “life education.”
A reader, Julius, wrote to me with this reflection:
I agree with you about life. From my experience and perspective, the greatest education doesn’t come from school, books, courses, or TED talks but from living life to the fullest…
As you stated, the best education comes from the life you have lived and the scars to show for it. Then you’re left with the story to tell about it. Years ago, I stopped thinking of those scars as mistakes, failures, or regrets. Instead, I think of them all as outcomes…
Had I kept beating myself up over all my so-called mistakes and failures, I never would have had the courage to leave my medical practice… to start a holistic health educational platform and newsletter rooted in gratitude.
Julius' words capture the essence of what I was trying to convey: our scars—those outcomes, as he beautifully puts it—are not failures but stepping stones. His journey from medicine to a gratitude-driven platform mirrors the courage it takes to lean into life’s lessons. He also touched on something I'm learning to hold dear: the practice of “noticing.” Mindful reflection, as Julius calls it, is what allows us to distill wisdom from experience. It’s not just about living but pausing to understand what life is teaching us.
What moved me most was Julius' acknowledgment of the vulnerability in my writing and my offer to help others. He said, “Your willingness to offer your time to help others really stands out. It’s one of the main things that drew me to All Star Charts/Options in the first place.” That feedback humbles me. My goal has always been to share openly—not just about markets or trading but about life—and to create a space where others feel safe to do the same.
One such space is the All Star Options chat room. Join us!
Julius' note reminds me that we’re all students of life, learning from each other’s stories. His shift from seeing scars as regrets to viewing them as outcomes inspires me to reflect on my own journey. Like Julius, I’ve had moments where I let “failures” define me. Instead, now I'm trying to use those moments to push me to build something meaningful—whether it’s a business, a relationship, or a conversation like the one I had with that young woman.
So, I’m doubling down on my offer from this weekend. If you’re grappling with a life question or seeking perspective, reach out. I’m here to listen and share what I’ve learned from my own scars. And I want to hear from you—what’s a scar that shaped your story? How do you practice “noticing” in your life? Let’s keep this conversation going.
Thank you, Julius, for your heartfelt words and for reminding me why I write. Here’s to living fully, reflecting mindfully, and sharing our stories.
Sean McLaughlin | Chief Options Strategist, All Star Charts
