The most significant journeys of our lives are unending roads.
We like beginnings and ends. We like to cross things off lists, but our passions and purpose don't turn off. Those things are always there.
The paths might be rocky, but all we have to do is walk them.
We often put the program before the purpose. We put aesthetics before practicality. We put form before function. We need to turn things around. We need to put our dreams, our purpose, our beliefs at the centers of our lives; and we need to build from there.
Moths will leave themselves exposed to predators as they hover around artificial light. They've even dive into open flames. Moths are drawn to light because they navigate by the moon. We are also attracted to things that might do us harm. We have to set our our purpose to pull us from the fire.
We often feel like personal growth is about adding things to our lives. Sometimes, that's true. Other times, it's better to cut things out of our lives, to trim away those things that take up our energy and add no value.
There's something I hear a lot from young people today. It's "thanks". I'm fortunate to work with amazing young people, and I want to thank them, too.
We all make mistakes. We all get off track. The best we can do is save the day we have.
When a plant outgrows its environment, its roots can become tightly knotted. Eventually, the plant withers and dies. The same is true of people. If the limitations placed upon keep us from growing, we start dying.
To live a balanced life, we must keep our egos in check and focus on the real task at hand. My son taught me a lesson in ego after a messy three-legged race.
Heroes need obstacles. It's the challenges that make the story. Don't shy away from hardship; it only exists to reveal the hero within.
"Chase your ideas. Go after your dreams. They were given to you. You’re the one who can bring them to life."
Our lives are comprised of seasons. There are cold, bleak winters filled with obstacles and pain, but the winters lead to spring. Those challenging periods are necessary for growth.
I'm feeling grateful, and I hope you're all finding things for which to be grateful, too.
As we get back into some podcast episodes and other media, I'm going to subject everyone to another song.
Much Love.
My eight-year-old daughter Claire recently wrote my epitaph.
I tend to get lost, but that's not all bad.
Janae is an inspiring person with a powerful message. She is a transgender woman who also identifies as gender fluid and non-binary. Janae is a former United States Marine, body builder, and world record holding power lifter. She's also a cancer survivor, licensed pharmacist, and dedicated parent.
We get used to things, for worse and for better. We fall into the trap of getting comfortable, but we can also use our adaptability to make change.
We have differences, but we are similar in the most significant ways.
I took a crack at writing a song. I was thinking about my dad when I wrote it. In this episode, I play the song and talk about my pops.
I sat down with one of my best friends, A.J. Giovanetti. Coach Gio is the strength and conditioning coach at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is an accomplished coach, and this podcast is a great resource for all athletes and coaches, especially those working at the high school level.
In this episode, I talk with my friend Coach Mike Minikwu.
Now is a time for meaningful conversations between people from different backgrounds. Mike and I discuss racism, the importance of listening to each other, and some things that are bringing us hope.