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“I never want to get married. I never want to have kids,” I said. We were sitting in her apartment in Costa Mesa. The room lost its life. She looked down, then turned to face me. “Ever?” Courtney responded. I looked away and shook my head. “Well, not in the foreseeable future.” Her eyes swelled with tears before she turned and walked to her room. I wanted to chase her. But instead, I walked out and pulled shut the heaviest door of my life. And then we broke up… Or so I thought. That conversation feels like a lifetime ago. Tomorrow, Courtney and I are celebrating our five-year wedding anniversary.
My younger self was terrified of turning into my father. I thought building a wall was the safest way to protect myself. But I soon realized I shouldn't let my disdain for his behavior block me from the life I truly wanted. We originally planned to continue our epic global Steak House Tour to celebrate this five-year milestone. A night of fine dining at Ruth Chris's or Mastros…. But instead, we are packing up the stroller, apple juice, diapers and taking two-year-old Jagger to Disneyland. And honestly? I wouldn't trade it for the world. The reason I'm sharing this with you is because growth requires sacrifice. Change is constant, but growth is a choice. We often lock ourselves into a rigid idea of who we are. We think we have to stick to the script we wrote years ago… But a growing family requires new choices. A growing body requires a new approach to fitness. When Court, Jagger, Kona, (yes, they count although they don't speak) and I meet to discuss our dreams, we always begin with the end in mind. Our Champagne Dreams today looks very different than it did years ago. I want to be present for my family. I want to chase Mickey Mouse instead of a Michelin star. You have to be willing to let go of the person you were to become the person you are meant to be… But what about you, Reader? What old script are you still holding onto? Where are you fighting change instead of leaning into growth? You got this. Let's make it happen.
P.S. I’ve survived my fair share of triathlons, but dodging crowds and chasing Jagger through Toontown tomorrow is the ultimate test of human endurance. Pray for my step count… |
