09/19/2025
I don't know about you folks, but the past week’s events have left me feeling not very...”well”...for a lack of better words. I'm feeling all of my feelings lately. Grief, anger, rage. All of it. I worry for my country. I worry for my community. I worry for my children and family.
One of the days this week, I was outside doomscrolling on my phone while letting my dog out. My angelic 6 year old daughter followed me outside. At one point, I looked up from my phone to observe my Clementine just taking in the wonder of the world around her. I think she was observing a colony of ants or something. In her face, was the innocence and genuine sweetness present that only a daughter can evoke in a loving father. I put my phone down and asked her for a hug. She happily obliged and jumped into my arms, as she is prone to doing with me. She gave me a deep hug, laid her head on my shoulders and told me that she loved me. I like to think, that in that moment, that was God speaking to me. His way of letting me know that everything will be ok.
In these moments of chaos and uncertainty, I have to remind myself that it helps to control that which we can control in our immediate vicinity. In that moment, I was just controlling my 6 year old’s body weight. Offering her a place to gently rest her head and offering her a comforting presence (or was it the other way around?). It was a good reminder to be present and in the moment with her. In the moment, she is not worried about the world outside her realm of understanding. With her, everything is new, and wonderous. I intend to keep it that way and protect her innocence as much as I can. I also realized that to protect her, and be there for her, I need to exercise my body and mind.
Exercise has always been a form of therapy for me. A form of centering myself. I want to be strong enough to support her for as long as I can. That means doing the hard things in life. That means training my mind and body and fueling it with good fuel. Your body is a temple. Treat it as such.
I'm going to encourage you to put down your phones and give your loved ones a hug. Be present. Look your fellow neighbors in the face and speak to them. Lift heavy stuff. Learn a martial art or a new skill. If you need help, and accountability in your health and fitness journey, I'm here to help. Feel free to reach out to me for a free fitness assessment and consultation.