Between Arrows and Freedom

Dear Reader,

Imagine the scene. In the middle of a vast valley, a powerful army of skilled warriors prepares to invade a fortress filled with endless riches. On the cliffs above, another large army, mounted on great beasts, watches closely. You stand between them as the first wave of arrows cuts through the air. Who will be struck?

When you choose to pursue your freedoms, you must be ready to face battles. The path is not easy. Businesses rarely grow as fast as we hope, motivation fades at times, and the will to keep fighting can weaken. In moments like these, it helps to remember a simple yet powerful line from Finding Nemo: “Just keep swimming.”

Over the past months, I’ve gone through a deep process of personal and professional reinvention. I’ve explored new ways of working, tested different income streams, published writing in various formats, and revisited projects that are still searching for their audience and identity. Along the way, I’ve shared reflections on entrepreneurship, academic goals, and learning journeys — always focused on growth and contribution.

I share this not as a list of achievements, but as part of an ongoing process. Pursuing freedom — whether geographic, financial, or temporal — demands efforts we rarely anticipate at the beginning. Dreams don’t become real on their own; they require responsibility, consistency, and the courage to move beyond imagination.

If you find yourself in the middle of the battle, remember: crossing the valley is possible. Keep going. You can do it.

Warm regards,
Augusto Machado