Are we ready

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect moment to ask ourselves, Are we ready? But ready for what, exactly? New goals, bold ambitions, or perhaps more of the same? Readiness isn’t just about planning or preparation—it’s a mindset, a deliberate openness to stepping forward when the moment calls. Too often, we wait for “perfect” conditions, for the stars to align in ways they never will. Instead, as this year winds down, let’s think of readiness as a reflection of our intention. It’s about asking: Are we ready to embrace uncertainty? Are we ready to confront discomfort? Are we ready to unlock our potential, even when the path ahead remains unclear? Readiness requires courage—the courage to say yes before we feel fully equipped, to leap with faith, knowing that growth happens in the freefall. Ultimately, it’s not the external conditions but the strength of our internal resolve that decides whether we are truly ready—for the new year, for the challenges, and for the life waiting to be lived fully, boldly, and without regret.

Loving life because I am ready for 2025

Joe

The unconventional

What are we if not unconventional?  Are we not supposed to be our version of who we are? When we choose the path of our journey and live an unconventional life, we dare to step outside the boundaries of expectation and conformity. It’s a deliberate choice to reject the comfort of the well-worn path in favor of forging our own. We, the unconventional, are the explorers, the risk-takers, and the dreamers who see not what is but what could be. It’s about embracing the unknown with grit, moving forward with grace, and staying grounded in a sense of purpose. Living unconventionally doesn’t mean defiance for its own sake—it means aligning our actions with our highest values, even when the world fails to understand our vision. It’s not about fitting in; it’s about standing out, boldly rewriting the rules to design a life that inspires not only us but everyone lucky enough to witness our journey.

Loving life because I am unconventional

Joe

The joy of random

There’s something magical about the joy of random. Those unexpected moments, the unplanned detours, the conversations that take a surprising turn—they remind us that life isn’t meant to follow a rigid script. Randomness brings with it a spark, a reminder to embrace spontaneity and let go of control, if only for a moment. It’s in the random that we often find delight, creativity, and connection—things we couldn’t have orchestrated if we tried. The joy of random invites us to trust the flow of life, to laugh at the unexpected, and to see beauty in the uncharted. Let’s leave a little room for the random today—it just might be where the best memories are waiting to be made.

Loving life because it’s random

Joe

Time for Tradition

It is that time of year when traditions seem to come to the fore more than other times.  They feel great and carry both warmth and significance. In the rush of life’s daily demands, traditions offer us an anchor, a way to pause and reconnect with what and who matters most. They remind us of how we have lived and provide a sense of continuity, weaving the past, present, and future into a shared experience. Whether it’s a family ritual, a holiday custom, or a personal practice, traditions ground us in meaning and offer moments to celebrate, reflect, and simply be. They don’t have to be elaborate; sometimes, the simplest traditions—a shared meal, a walk at sunset, or a quiet moment of gratitude—become the most enduring. Let "time for tradition" remind us to honor the rituals that bring us together and to create new ones that reflect who we are becoming. Because in the end, traditions are the rhythm of our lives, reminding us to slow down, celebrate, and cherish the moments that truly matter. Happy Holidays!

Loving life because of our loving traditions

Joe

Every second matters

It is as much a metaphor as it is our reality. Yes, every second matters not in a frantic, racing-against-the-clock kind of way but in the quiet, profound truth that every moment we have is an opportunity. It’s easy to let time slip by unnoticed, lost in distractions or routines that feel safe but uninspired. Yet, when we pause and truly acknowledge the gift of time, we realize its power. Every second holds the potential for connection, action, and growth. It’s in the time we have that we choose to spend with loved ones, put effort toward a dream, or take a moment to reset and refocus. Life isn’t about waiting for the big milestones; it’s about what we do with the small, seemingly insignificant moments that ultimately define us. Let "every second matters" remind us to be present, to make choices with intention, and to honor the fleeting beauty of time by living fully in the now.

Loving life because every second matters

Joe

Don’t Forget

"Don’t forget" is more than just a nudge to remember your keys or a meeting. It’s an invitation to hold tight to what truly matters. Don’t forget the moments that made us feel most alive—the laughter that echoed in our chests, the victories that reminded us of our strength, and the challenges that shaped us in ways we never expected. Don’t forget the people who showed up for us, stood by us, and, believed in us even when we doubted ourselves. Most importantly, let’s not forget to pause. To breathe. To take stock of where we are right now and feel the gratitude that anchors us amidst the chaos. Life moves fast, and it’s far too easy to let the little things that mean everything slip away. Let "don’t forget" be our reminder to stay grounded in gratitude, connected to our purpose, and fully present in this beautiful, fleeting journey. Because what we choose to remember—and what we carry forward—defines the story we’re writing every single day.

Loving life when I don’t forget

Joe

2,000 reps

On our journey, we’re often given the chance to explore what peak performance really means. It’s a concept that challenges us to make choices, lean into discomfort, and experience the reward of effort meeting its highest return. Today, I stepped into one of those stretches that play on the edge of peak performance, completing 2,000 pull-ups in 11 hours and 45 minutes. The preparation leading up to this was significant, but even with all the groundwork, it remained a true test of physical strength, focus, patience, and persistence. This wasn’t about chasing a record; it was about showing up—rep after rep—and proving to myself that I could finish what I started. Along the way, there were inevitable moments of fatigue and discomfort, and managing my energy felt like an ever-present challenge. But in those moments, the quiet determination to keep going became the only voice that mattered. Pull-ups are a metaphor for life: they demand consistency, discipline, and a refusal to give in when the burn gets real. Today, I was reminded once again that the limits we perceive are often self-imposed. When we’re willing to dig deep, stay present, and keep pulling, we’re capable of far more than we imagine. Happy to be done —both humbled and inspired by what’s possible.

Loving life after completing 2,000 pullups

Joe

Winter Solstice

For a moment, that is all it takes and the Earth, our home, this biosphere that we live on starts to reverse its tilt and we start hurtling towards the next solstice.  From dark to light, cold to warm, it is a season thing and a life thing that we all experience with no choice in the outcome or the way it happens.  It just does.  The winter solstice, it arrives like a quiet pause, the shortest day and longest night enabling us to reflect, reset, and renew. We can feel it, there is a stillness to this time of year, a chance to embrace the darkness not as an end but as a beginning—the start of the light returning, moment by moment. The solstice whispers a lesson about patience and resilience: that even in the depths of winter, there’s a promise of warmth and growth ahead. It’s a call to take stock of where we are, to honor the challenges we’ve faced, and to plant the seeds for the brighter days to come. And while we might like it just one way, every season—no matter how dark—has its own beauty, its own lessons, and its own quiet power for us to bask in, again and again.

Loving life as we pass through the winter solstice

Joe

Touch Down

It seems that this time of year naturally invites us to slow down, to savor the holiday season, and to make a "touch down" in a place that feels right—where we can pause and reflect. Touching down isn’t just about landing a plane; it’s a metaphor for those moments when effort meets outcome, and we recognize that our journey is moving in the direction we hoped for. It’s that quiet sense of accomplishment when the miles we’ve run, the hours we’ve worked, or the dreams we’ve nurtured finally take shape. But we know it’s never just about the arrival—it’s about the path that brought us there. The preparation, the struggle, the moments of doubt—all of it adds richness to the landing, making it sweeter and more meaningful. Let "touch down" remind us that life is filled with arrivals, both big and small, each one a celebration of grit, grace, and the relentless pursuit of what matters most to us. Yes, indeed, let’s honor those moments.

Loving life when I touch down

Joe

1,2,3,4

Sometimes life feels like a complicated rhythm, but when we break it down, it’s just a steady count—1, 2, 3, 4. Could it be that easy?  It is a question for each of us to ask but in the answer, we must consider that each beat holds an opportunity, a moment to move, to breathe, to step forward. It’s in this simplicity that we find the essence of progress: one task, one effort, one win at a time. The count reminds us to stay present, to focus on what’s right in front of us, and keep moving with purpose. Whether it’s the push of a workout, the grind of a workday, or the rhythm of a walk, the numbers ground us, reminding us that success isn’t about skipping ahead—it’s about showing up for each beat. Let “1, 2, 3, 4” be the soundtrack of our effort, the rhythm of our determination, and the steady cadence that keeps us in the game, one intentional step at a time.

Loving life 1,2,3,4, yes, indeed

Joe

Keep doing your thing

You would think that we would believe in ourselves so deeply that our convictions would be unnegotiable.  But it seems that in this world that we live, which is full of noise, opinions, and endless comparisons, it’s easy to question if we’re on the right path or if what we’re doing even matters. But here’s the truth—there’s real power in staying true to what lights us up, in showing up with intention and owning our journey. “Keep doing your thing” is about trusting ourselves, tuning out the distractions, and showing up consistently with heart and purpose. It’s about embracing the work, the grind, and the quiet victories that no one else sees. Because when we keep showing up, day after day, something shifts—the results come, the growth happens, and the meaning becomes clear. So, let’s not get sidetracked trying to fit someone else’s mold; our path is ours for a reason. All we have to do is to keep moving forward, keep believing, and keep doing our thing—because the magic always happens when we stay committed to being our most authentic selves.

Loving life when I keep doing my thing

Joe

In the woods

It’s easy to stay inside—there’s always the chair, the couch, the desk—and we often spend more than enough time in those familiar spaces. But there’s something we need beyond the four walls; we need the magic that happens when we step into the woods. The noise of the world fades, replaced by the crunch of leaves underfoot, the whisper of the breeze, and the steady rhythm of our breath. Time slows here, becomes more deliberate, inviting us to reconnect with ourselves in ways only solitude and nature can allow. In the woods, there’s no pretense, no demands—just us, the earth beneath our feet, and the boundless possibilities of thought and reflection. Clarity emerges, creativity ignites, and perspective resets. It feels good to be in the woods—it grounds us, reminds us to step away from the noise, to recalibrate, to simply be. And when we return, we carry that stillness with us: stronger, clearer, and ready to face whatever comes next.

Loving life when I spend time in the woods

Joe

Reliable

We all know that being called reliable is not the biggest compliment in the world and yet there is something quietly powerful about being reliable. It’s not flashy or loud, but it’s the cornerstone of trust, consistency, and progress. To be reliable is to show up—every single time—whether it’s for ourselves, our family, our team, or our commitments. It’s fun being the person others can count on, not just when it’s convenient but when it’s hard, when the stakes are high, or when no one’s watching. Reliability builds a foundation for growth because it creates momentum—small actions repeated over time compound into something extraordinary. Being reliable is about the steady rhythm of showing up, doing the work, and honoring what we promise ourselves and others. The best part of this characteristic is that we live where integrity meets action, and in that space, we not only earn the trust of others but prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing what matters and making an impact along the way.

Loving life when I am considered reliable
Joe

Discomfort

Are we sorry for the feeling itself, or for how we feel about the feeling? Is it our nature to only seek comfort? Or are we made to endure, even embrace, discomfort? Our natural instinct seems to move us toward the familiar, to stay where we feel safe. And yet, life does not seem to come that way.  The moments we remember—the ones that define us—are rarely those spent in ease. They are the moments of struggle, challenge, and suffering. The ones where we were tested, stretched, and forced to find something deeper within ourselves. Discomfort, though unwelcome, is where we grow. It’s where we become. It seems odd to say that discomfort is where the magic happens, but it is in the unfamiliar, the uncertain, and the hard that we meet ourselves fully. In physical, emotional, and mental discomfort, we discover our resilience, our clarity, our strength, and meaning. The question we are left with is: Would we have found ourselves any other way?

Loving life in spite of and because of discomfort
Joe

Write it down

Whether it’s a pen, a pencil, or a keyboard, there’s a certain magic that happens when we take the thoughts swirling in our minds and put them to “paper.” Writing it down transforms fleeting ideas into something tangible—a roadmap, a reflection, or even a dream in progress. It’s not about finding the right words or achieving flawlessness; it’s about capturing the essence of what’s inside us. Writing creates clarity out of chaos, giving our goals, fears, and aspirations a space to breathe. It offers an enduring representation of our thoughts and insights—something shareable for now and a legacy for later. The impact of what we write may be immediate or revealed over time, but its importance lies in how it shapes our collective journey. Let "write it down" remind us that some of our best ideas, our most important lessons, and the first steps toward our biggest achievements start with the simple act of committing them to the page. In those words, we find accountability, inspiration, and the blueprint for the life we’re building and the example we aspire to be.

Loving life when I write it down
Joe

Daily Reflection

Some days fly by at the speed of light, while others seem to drag endlessly. There are days when we pour in every ounce of effort, and others when we finally get a moment to breathe. But no matter the pace or the challenges we face, every day offers us a quiet moment—a chance to pause and reflect on the hours we’ve just lived and what we’ve accomplished. Daily reflection isn’t about dwelling on what went wrong or longing for what might have been. It’s about recognizing the life in our actions, the lessons in our challenges, and the gratitude in our wins. It’s a time to recalibrate, to ask ourselves if we lived in alignment with our values, if we brought integrity to our actions, and if we honored the commitments we made to ourselves. Reflection doesn’t demand perfection; it simply invites us to show up with honesty and an open heart. Let "daily reflection" remind us that every day is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and move one step closer to the life we’re striving to create—a life where our mission and purpose shine clearly through.

Loving life when I do my daily reflection
Joe

The Collective

There’s a certain ring to it—“the collective.” It’s something we instinctively want to be part of. It draws us in, reminding us of the unique energy that comes from being part of something greater than ourselves. A collective of minds, hearts, and hands, all moving toward a shared purpose. In the collective, we find strength when ours falters, inspiration when our vision clouds, and motivation when the road feels long. The beauty of the collective is that it’s not about me or perfection; it’s about us and connection. Each of us brings something valuable to the journey—our experiences, perspectives, and grit—and together, we create something far more powerful than any of us could achieve alone. Let “the collective” remind us that our individual journeys are enriched when shared, and that unity is the spark that lights the path to extraordinary outcomes.

Loving life when I am part of the collective
Joe

Be the force

There’s a power within each of us—a quiet, unshakable force that can shape the world around us if we choose to harness it. To "be the force" is to show up with intention, to move through life with purpose, and to create momentum where others see stillness. It’s about leading by example, inspiring others through action, and standing firm in the face of challenges. Being the force doesn’t require loud declarations; it begins with the essence of who we are, thrives on consistency, and is built through the small yet powerful steps we take every day. Let "be the force" remind us that we are not passive participants in this life. We are the energy, the spark, the movement that turns aspirations into realities. Because when we step into our power, we don’t just transform ourselves—we transform everything around us.

Loving life when I am the force!
Joe

Adventure awaits

As the promise of a new year becomes more real, there’s no better time to start thinking about what adventures await us. We know that adventure doesn’t just happen—it’s something we plan, pursue, and commit to. Now is the moment to dream boldly and map out the experiences that will challenge and excite us in 2025. Whether it’s exploring new landscapes, testing our endurance, or diving into unfamiliar passions, the key is to create space for these adventures in our lives. Because when we plan for adventure, we’re not just penciling in trips or challenges—we’re carving out opportunities to grow, to reconnect with the world, and to rediscover what makes us feel alive. Let "adventure awaits" remind us to start now, to set those plans in motion, and to make sure that next year is not just another year but one filled with stories, discoveries, and moments that expand what we believe is possible. The road ahead is open—let’s be ready to make it memorable.

Loving life when adventure awaits
Joe

Explore more

Step beyond the familiar and discover what lies just beyond the horizon. To "explore more" is not just about seeking new places; it’s about embracing curiosity in every corner of life. It’s the willingness to try something unexpected, to ask questions without immediate answers, and to view challenges as gateways to growth. Exploration invites us to broaden our perspectives, push past our limits, and find the extraordinary hidden within the everyday. Let "explore more" remind us that life’s greatest rewards often come from venturing into the unknown, trusting that each step into unfamiliar territory brings us closer to becoming something more. There is always more to see, more to learn, and more to experience—if only we have the courage to take that first step.

Loving life when I explore more
Joe