At coffee klatches with my buddies, people from all walks of life, we discuss everything under the sun. We used to be around 30 of us, gathering at the same Laguna Beach coffee shop. Over time, life took its course, and many are no longer with us. As the British say, “That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
Years ago, our conversations revolved around success, achievements, business, love stories, and life experiences. Politics, back then, rarely made its way into our discussions. Laughter was our common language, uniting the funny, witty, stern, and jovial personalities among us. Some found their passion in girls, while others lived and breathed sports. Personally, sports never captivated me; my childhood experiences left me with lasting memories, and not all of them were pleasant.
Our morning gatherings were treasures, a daily “Social Shower” for me. As a Frenchman, I was astounded by the huge collective knowledge that filled our tables. Rain or shine, we were regulars.
However, there was always a somber note when one of us faced health issues. It was during these times that our mortality became a topic of conversation, and our three doctor friends often became the source of wisdom and reassurance.
One day, a friend asked me, “Are you afraid of dying?” My response was consistent with my life philosophy, “As a teenager, I never thought I’d make it to twenty. At twenty, I never thought I’d make it to thirty… and so on. Many of my childhood friends didn’t make it past 17. They were casualties of the Algerian war, not to mention those who faced accidents or health issues. So, yes, I have a respectful apprehension of death. That’s why every day, I look in the mirror and smile. Life is precious, even in its challenges and good or bad I want to enjoy every and each day.“
I share this because, in the grand scheme of things, life’s destination is inevitable. So why not embrace it with a smile?
Recently, I reflected on my ventures, my successes, and my failures. I turned to my beloved wife and said, “You know, I’m a lucky guy. Not only did I meet you, but I survived life’s toughest challenges, and here I am. Now, I want to pay it forward.” Her unwavering support led me to a new chapter.
That day, after our coffee gathering, a friend inquired about Richard, the doctor, and his recent blood test results. It triggered a thought. I had been working on an AI project related to Specialty Foods, designed to assist small food manufacturers. However, a chance encounter with a Shark Tank star at a large industry show made me reconsider my approach. “Getting people to a marketplace is very, very difficult and expensive,” he emphasized.
For some reason on the drive home, memories of Jacques, my doctor friend, resurfaced. Years ago, we had contemplated starting a Telemedicine business. Although it never came to fruition, those warm memories lingered. He was a funny guy and renown California oncologist, originally from Lebanon. As I walked through the door, I shared my revelation after my ten-minute walk at the show with the Shark Tank guy and said to my wife: “I’m changing my approach,” just as the French say, “Changer le fusil d’épaule,” or as a Trader Joe’s buyer once advised, “Daniel, you have to reinvent yourself.”
So, I did.
That day, after my wife had been experiencing for months, unexplained health issues that caused her deep concern, I decided to reinvent myself and embarked on an online AI journey. I read everything I could and astonished myself at my new found ability at creating algorithms simply by reasoning them. I was shocked.
That seed was planted nine months ago, and now the flower is ready to bloom. My flower can be summarized in two words: BODYGATE.AI, with one mission statement: “Your Health – Our Passion.”
Of course, this journey wouldn’t have progressed as far as it has without external help, aside from my wife’s of course. I crossed paths with Wassim, a Data Scientist genius from my part of the world, and Asma, a talented yet modest designer. I eagerly await the day when success helps them achieve their dreams too.
By the way, if you’d like to stay updated on our progress or subscribe early for free access to our platform, which we aim to launch around the end of November, visit: https://subscribe.bodygate.ai