David

My name is David Maki and for the first 50 years, my life was mostly left-brain centric. Shortly after turning 50 I left a lucrative leadership role as a Vice President of a large manufacturing operation. At the time, I was not really sure what I would do next. What I did know is that I needed a change. I started to do some consulting, which I still do. I got back into running and exercising muscles that had been ignored for years. I soon discovered that the right-side of my brain was equally anemic. I decided to make a deliberate right turn at 50 and exercise that part of my brain. In doing so, I have found similar benefits to running; satisfaction, self-confidence, adrenaline, and fun … all without the sweat or bloody body parts that come with a long run.

My goal is to share experiences, insights, stories, and perhaps inspiration. OK … the other less altruistic reason is to get my wife off my back. For the last couple of years Molly has been telling me that I should do something like this. She thinks I write well and shoot reasonably good photos. We’ve known each other for more than 30 years so she may be slightly biased.

Others that I have met have provided similar suggestions and are always asking us about travel and how we coordinate our adventures. Ultimately, I can’t lose. If this works well … success. If it fails … I will be able to tell Molly “I told you so”. Both are equally satisfying outcomes.

While getting back into running was difficult … the recipe is pretty straightforward. Start slow, build up the miles, stretch, and hydrate. The transition to a right-brain centric life has been less defined and littered with several large obstacles for me to overcome.

1. My personality is defined by my Finnish heritage … a culture known for producing the most introverted introverts.
2. My behaviors are influenced by a Midwestern upbringing … work, work, and work.
3. My humor is shaped by Monty Python and a heavy dose of sarcasm from the 80’s and 90’s.
4. The final straw … I am an engineer by education.

I told you this was going to be a challenge. Fortunately, I had a starting point. Early on, I became interested in photography. However, for several years other responsibilities took priority. Recently I have once again often found myself with camera in hand. Likewise, Molly and I have always had a huge passion for travel. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to travel throughout the world. It is this passion for travel and photography that I used to start my right turn at 50. 

We’ll explore other new activities as well and occasionally you may need to indulge me in a slight left-brain regression. Who knows, I might even be able to persuade Molly to contribute. As a ‘geeky’ left-brain scientist who turned 50 before me, she certainly has the qualifications. I hope you enjoy following us on this journey and it inspires you to take a right turn. If you don’t … let Molly know.

To find more photography, check out David Maki Photography.