This Little Book Just Might Change Your Life

On September 10th, 2019, at 8A.M., Oliver's ("Oli") parents found him dead at the bottom of a swimming pool.

Oli was 25 years old and they were on the first day of their long-awaited family vacation.

The subsequent diagnosis of Oli's death was "sudden adult death syndrome." It was totally unexpected and unexplainable. He was doing a night swim, something he loved, and his family is still trying to come to terms with his loss.

Oli was a snowboard instructor, diving instructor, electronic music producer, and English teacher.

Interestingly, he also shared his thoughts on the website Quora under the pseudonym, Sam Leaper.

I was given the book by a friend and found it fun, clever, and hopeful. It is written blog post style, with lots of pictures. Easy to read, and I think something many young people, especially teenagers need to read.

Oli (aka "Sam") had lots of great things to say, such as:

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• Know that you know nothing and give everything a try.
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• Don't be afraid to 'change route.'
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• Do stick with stuff.
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• Clarify what success looks like and means to you personally
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• Strike a balance between work and play; learning and teaching; following and leading; humility and confidence kindness and formidability.
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• Compromising current wishes with future wishes.
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• and much more...

The story is profound. The words in the introduction in his parent's words are tear-jerking. The art is entertaining. The words wise.

If you want a short and inspiring read, or perhaps some words that would resonate and inspire a young person you love, give Sam Leaper's Little Book Of Wisdom a shot.