My friends tried to calm me down. There meaning was: I should be happy with what I have. You have your own Bistro; very successfully, you have the chance to enjoy the real good wines of that region, you have a wonderful apartment and a beautiful wife you can trust in. And last but not least, every one knows you! Though stop complaining and move your butt! It was o.k. for a little while but in my very deep there was something missing.
So I had a little conversation with Elke about what my feelings were. And she made a clear statement. You have to look for another job or do something that you get better along with.
During that night I couldn’t find any sleep, I tried to find out what I really wanted. Do I need more appreciation, more succsess in the business or even more money? No, that’s not what it´s all about . What might it be? Am I like all the others by now, starting to complain on higher level? Or do I just realise the negative sides off life? On my 50th. birthday I decided not to become an old grumpy man. I wanted to live the rest of my life positive and share all my wisdom with other people. After all these years I should be able to be certain of what I want. Sure, I wouldn´t be able to change the world, but there still is the possibility to change myself.
The very next morning I told Elke about the new plans that I made during my sleepless night. Even though Elke was still very sleepy by looking at me and asking: "So, what are your plans now?" "I would like to take my bike and ride around the world, I need a new challenge and a new aim." Elke was awake right away, she started smiling and without even thinking she replied "Well finally! When do we start?" The decision was made.