A Grateful Heart- Thanksgiving 2024
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on how much life has changed over the past few years. I felt as if I was stuck in a storm, trying to keep my balance amidst it all. Yet, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for where I am today.
When I look back through the physical and mental struggles, setbacks, and life change’s—I'm reminded that life is often unpredictable, and the journey is rarely linear. But even in the toughest moments, it's okay to embrace the unpredictability. Change doesn’t have to be something to fear; it can be an invitation to grow, evolve, and rediscover the parts of yourself you may have forgotten along the way. Pivot. At some point, most of us face the decision to pivot—to change direction, rethink our goals, and embrace a new way forward. Possibly even reinventing oneself.
For decades, my routine was set. I was the person biking 500- 1,000 miles a month or training for Ironman and feeling unstoppable with every turn of the pedals. It was a huge part of my identity, something that brought me peace and strength. But over time, as life has changed, my body, my energy, and my circumstances didn’t always cooperate with my once-strong commitment to those long rides and training days. And that’s okay. It has been a hard thing to come to terms with and has taken a lot of self-reflection but while the days of biking endless miles may be behind me, what I've found in their place has been something equally fulfilling and exciting—CrossFit.
Veterans Day WOD- CHAD
1000 Box Step Ups with 21# vest
Switching from long bike rides to the intensity of CrossFit felt like a huge shift at first. It's a new challenge for my body, one that pushes me in different ways than I am used to. But in the process, I have discovered something deeply rewarding: CrossFit has been good for my soul. The sense of community, the personal growth, and the sheer joy of mastering new skills have brought a sense of excitement and joy I didn’t expect. I love being back on a regular early wake up schedule again and feeling sore. I remember before Mary left AZ she was working on her pull-ups. While I was happy for her and her journey to master this skill, I didn’t “get it”. I saw no reason or desire to ever make this a life goal. Then a few weeks ago, out of the blue, I was able to do 1…ONE single wall walk, and I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling. I went home and told B all about it. That led to my 1st one on one training with Coach Sheryl from Copper Canyon CrossFit a week ago to work on…. strict pull-ups. Now I get it!! I finally feel my strength and motivation coming back. I love that word. Strength. It can be used to describe so many different aspects of our lives.
It’s a relief to say that things are finally getting back on track, both physically and mentally. I feel stronger, more balanced, and more at peace than I’ve felt in a long time. It’s been a slow process, but every step has been worth it. I’m thankful for the lessons learned, and for the support of those who’ve stood by me especially when things were messy. Sorry for all of that lol.
As I look ahead, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s to come. The future holds so many new opportunities. I finally look forward to running long again and the 10/2025 “thing”. I had to delay “the thing” this year due to juggling too many jobs, figuring out post cancer medications and the stress of just trying to survive in these crazy days and times. I’m holding onto the hope that the time will come when I can fully immerse myself again in the adventure life with the help of my friends. Patience, too, is part of this journey. Something I have been forced to work on as of late.
So, here’s to embracing the journey, wherever it may take us, and being thankful for every step along the way. May this holiday season remind you, too, of how far you’ve come, and how much potential lies ahead.
Thank you to B. Thank you to my friends. Thank you, Neil, for finding your way through your own challenges to find me again. Thank you to my co-workers who have seen me at some of my lowest points. Thank you.
With an open and grateful heart, Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
