Deep in our hearts we know that the best things said come last. People will talk for hours, saying nothing much, and then linger at the door with words that come with a rush from the heart.
I am at the doorway today. It’s the end of something and the beginning of something else.
Yesterday I joined this place as a child thinking that I was the best in the world, only this morning I was a teenager so fragile, and suddenly the adrenaline of adventure tempts me to seek and discover what is out there in the jungle.
I am scared. But as I am feeling the fear, I am doing it anyway. I am trying to teach my fear a lesson. I wanted him to get of my back and never visit me again.
In fact, I am feeling alone. I will soon be separated from the people I was raised by. The people, who supported me, taught me, tolerate me and loved me.
I thought I am feeling all this because it was my first employment or because it’s away from home, but no, there is something about you that makes a difference in my life. You, the people of this place, are the difference. Your energy, your passion, your spirit, your support, your care, your love, your knowledge, your understanding, your faith, your good heart is the difference.
My final message to each and every one of you is to seek meaning to your lives. Life is truly meaningless unless we bring meaning to it. It’s up to us to create our existence. Unless we do something, unless we create something, it is as though we aren’t here. Do you wonder if you are strong enough? Sure you are. Get a little perspective. Look up at the stars and see how tiny they look. They are gigantic explosions, but from where we are, they are just these insignificant little dots. If you step back from things far enough, you realize how important and powerful you are.
Be bold. Let the strength of your desire give force and movement to your every step. When you embark strange places, don’t leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory. Be brave to live your life more creatively. The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can’t get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by quite knowing what you are doing, but what you will discover will be wonderful. What you will discover will be yourself.
Fight for what you believe in and serve a higher purpose than yourself, a purpose bigger than life… It’s never too late and may the force of nature be at your side, hoping that one day our paths collide again…
My best wishes to you always. Don’t be surprised to get some telephone calls from me, asking for advice and perhaps a sympathetic broad shoulder. If I can return any of the many favors you gave me, all you have to do is pick up the phone, call me or send me an email…
(Don’t forget to subscribe your email to receive my updates)
Hey Naja,
This was really touching… Why are you leaving Leo Burnette if you love it so much? Where are you going?
Well, best of luck,
Manal.
It is sad reading this email. And I am assuming no mass replies has been made yet, due to the depth in content and the vibrant emotional aspect of your “final note”.
Or else, being at the door way was taken literally J
Don’t be neither scared nor sad, few days and the email showers will rain on all of us wishing you best of luck accompanied with warmth feelings and emotions.
From my end, while your laptop is taken ages to shut down, I am sure you fear will be taught a lesson, and you discovery of the outer world will be fulfilled.
Enjoy both of them and of course best of luck.
Naja, that’s the most amazing farewell email I have ever read, I just wish it wasn’t a “farewell”
I don’t know what to reply, I guess I’ll have a chat with you tomorrow instead.
Dearest Naja,
I just saw your email. I hope my words will be able to catch you before you hand in your laptop.
Unlike what most people think, fear is one of the main characteristics of the brave. Fear is the fuel that drives successful people, it’s what makes a soldier keen to stay alive while facing the enemy.
Fear is only negative when it stops you from taking on new challenges. This is definitely not your case.
I still remember the first day you joined the team. Yes, it was obvious that you were a new but brave child who is keen not only to take the first step but to run and over pass others. Today you are an eagle who is leaving its first nest to soar high in the endless skies. Yes, you will feel alone but it’s only because you are an eagle. Only pigeons and small birds fly in groups. Having said that, we will always be around you somehow. The love you deserved, the experience you excelled in, the trust you earned, and the friendships you enjoyed are all going to be the wind beneath your wings. So whenever you stretch these young but strong wings and soar high in the sky, we’ll all be with you.
I miss all who left us in the past, but you definitely will be one of those who I will truly miss very much. Please stay in touch and be assured that you have a big family here in Riyadh who will always be keen to hear about your future successes.
Yours,
Mamdoh
When I first joined Leo Family we shared the same office. Unlike any new comer’s feelings and thoughts of a new work, you made my first hours in this family very exciting and friendly even though I had to eat the type of food you order and of which no stomach can HANDLE but yours…
i felt like it gives push to the ppl u r leaving behind kinda sad yet full of hope, encouragement and support.
very well written piece. u will be remembered regards Farzan
Hi Naja,
With 3 years of world class experience at Leo Burnett, you’ve certainly learned how to fly in amongst the seriously high flyers.
As for meaning … I’ve discovered it’s most often much, much, much closer to home than we may ever dare to imagine.
Whatever you choose to do next, may you find meaning in it
Very best wishes for an inspiring and purposeful 2010
Martin
Dear Naja,
I guess among other things, you will always remember me as the guy who gave you the biggest and heaviest book ever and along the way recommended some valuable readings. So keeping up with this tradition, I believe that you will need these two books at your side to sail through this coming stage of your life that you have decided to step into.
1. Awaken the Giant Within, by Anthony Robbins – This will help you ask the right questions to move forward, will give you tools and techniques on how to step into your fear, and offer you a life long valuable advise on how to manage your brain. Something that you will definitely need moving forward and leaving the LB nest to explore the jungle.
2. The Alchemist – Read it or read it again if you already read it before and you will find out why it is important to keep its moral in the back of your mind as you move on
and finally I would leave you with a thought that I have come to learn recently and helped me in making decisions like the one you have just made few days ago. The thought is to ask my self three questions every time I want to make a move away from where I am into something new and these are:
1. Did I live?
2. Did I love?
3. Did I make a difference?
Naja, no matter what happens, keep your curiosity alive, stay hungry for knowledge, and never ever let go or change your positive attitude no matter what challenges you face in the future
All the best my friend
Karl
I am really touched by your words, Leo Burnett is lucky to have an employee like you, I am sure you will ride the highway of sucess everywhere you go
Wishing you the best in life and in 2010
Dear Naja ,
Your note is touching. I’m happy to know that you feel this way about the agency & the people. Its rewarding to know that we were able to make a difference to your career. As much as I’m happy to read your note as much as I’m sad to see u leaving. I wish you all the success in your future career.
Best regards
Raja
You choose what you win or lose….that door you closed has opend another and its normal to be scred trst e fear will help you be stronger and widen your horizons. be sure a step takin in life will never be relived so 2awiliii albakkk i know you are capable i meannnn our the oneeeeee getting staff menebers togther therefore you willlll know how to hep addapt and preent yourself with all skills foud deep within….my fingers are crosssed and cat wait tooooooo see ya sine
naja good luck on every move you make.
Dear naja
I cannot say it better then mamdoh, so a big good luck for your new venture and remember that there will always be a place for you in our hearts and minds All the best
Farid chehab
Very Nice. Leo Burnett was a successful start for a successful man.
Hi Naja,
I have nothing to do with your ex-company but we are connected through the digital marketing group and therefore got yur message. May I say that the emotion and thoughts put in to the final note did stop a fast-paced individual like myself to finish reading it and reflect on my own journey. Very powerful and touching….
Good luck with your endevour wherever you may be!!!
From half way around the world,
Phi Nguyen
Regional Marketing Manager
Gloria Jeans Coffees Iternational
Really appreciate your comment Phi, that tells me a lot about you… thanks again
Hi Naja,
I just saw ur msg and its unbelievable for me that u r leaving, y? wherever u go b keep in touch. Best of luck for the future. Bye NASEEM
Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments… I am really flattered.
Dear Naja,
I will never allow myself to let your message go un-answered!
Although it was a brief encounter, I felt it was a sincere and deep trading of minds and souls. I was so glad I got to meet you and know you and most importantly understand you.
You are one of the very rare few youth talents I had met who enjoy a refined and unique state of mind and intellect. Unlike today’s youth, I could clearly feel a sense of commitment and accomplishment that lie under a mature and confident personality.
You, my friend, is on the right track to grow and push yourself to limits beyond the expected.
Keep moving forward and keep challenging yourself in quest for knowledge and self improvement. This is your ticket to growth and development.
Naja, remember, life is one big cycle… I am confident that your roads will cross with many of ours in the future… I have the sense that ours will do either professionally or at a personal level… and I’m looking forward for that.
I wish you the best of luck in your future pursuits and I am looking forward to see you very soon.
Best Regards
Raja Sowan
It must feel so great to start a new year knowing that you’re loved and are going to be missed. It’s a great start for hopefully a great year and many years of success after it.
Whatever direction you choose, I’m sure it’s going to be a path to prosperity.
I wish you the best of luck, and I haven’t got the chance to wish you a Happy New Year yet << so there it is =D!
Congratulation on a successful post, too. The trick is to always write something that you put your heart into and feel passionate about.
Manal.