After wrapping up my first week at my new job, I quickly realized I have more responsibility than I initially thought. The weight of that realization pushed me to reflect on the importance of slowing down, appreciating the present, and reconnecting with the things and people that matter most. As the weekend rolled in, I found myself leaning into these moments, seeking balance in both life and work. This reflection made me think about how crucial it is for all of us, whether in the gym or life, to find that balance—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

A Date Night to Recharge

On Saturday, I took my wife out for dinner at the Dark Horse Pub in Flint Hill. It was just what we needed—some time to reconnect over a nice meal and conversation. I finally found some local oysters I’d been searching for, and while they didn’t quite live up to some others I’ve had in the past, the food wasn’t the highlight. What mattered most was stepping back from the busyness of the week and focusing on our relationship. It reminded me that, much like in fitness, sometimes it’s about appreciating the journey rather than focusing solely on the end goal.

My inspiration to take her out came from a big moment in our family—our eldest child went on her first official date earlier that week. After dinner, they came back home and watched a movie with us, and while it was low-key (very on-brand for her), it struck me how fast time flies. Watching her begin to step into this new chapter of life made me realize how crucial it is to intentionally slow down and invest in the people around us.

Teaching, Learning, and Savoring Small Wins

Saturday also gave me the opportunity to dive into teaching, as I introduced a friend to beekeeping, something I’ve been learning through hands-on experience for several years now. Harvesting four frames from the hives felt like a small win, but even more so, sharing that knowledge with someone else brought a sense of fulfillment. (Pictured is me and my daughter on a different occasion)

Later that night, Sara, ever the planner, slept outside with the boys to prepare for her Grand Canyon camping trip. Meanwhile, I reconnected with a friend I hadn’t spent time with in a while. We ended up talking until 1:30 in the morning, and while it was a long conversation, it reminded me how important it is to carve out time for friends and deeper connections. Much like in the gym, where sharing progress or helping someone improve a technique builds bonds, this simple conversation renewed a sense of connection.

Sunday: Refocusing on Family and New Hobbies

Sunday morning, I offered to cook brunch for the family. I hadn’t been enjoying cooking recently and even skipped it last week to work out instead, but this time, I embraced the moment. Cooking a meal for my family and taking the time to be present helped me see the importance of small gestures and consistency. After brunch, Sara and I spent the afternoon in the garden, picking tomatoes and processing them together. That led to a fantastic meal of Thai Braised Short Ribs and Shrimp Spring Rolls, a recipe we enjoyed creating from scratch.

On top of that, I decided to dive into a new hobby: fermentation. I made homemade sauerkraut for the first time, a process I’d been curious about for a while. There’s something deeply satisfying about trying new things, and just like pushing yourself in the gym, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected rewards. I’m hopeful for the results of this newest experiment.

Balancing Work and Personal Growth

On a more personal note, I’ve taken a significant step in filing my VA disability claim for PTSD. It’s something I’ve avoided for years, not wanting to face the impact it’s had on my relationships and life. But I’ve come to realize that you can’t truly help others until you take care of yourself. Just like in fitness, where rest and recovery are just as important as the work you put in, addressing the things we tend to avoid can lead to the most growth.

Taking the time to work on myself, both mentally and physically, has been a big focus lately. This applies to all of us—whether it’s healing from past experiences or recognizing that recovery is a crucial part of fitness. Before we can push forward, we need to ensure we’re taking the necessary steps to care for ourselves.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

By the time Sunday night rolled around, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and balance. I even managed to get back into my morning walk routine on Monday—something I had been slacking on. This week, I’m looking forward to hitting the gym for some solid workouts and continuing to prep for the Battle Buddy Brawl. We’re thankful for the VIP sponsors we’ve already secured and excited to host this third annual event. The sense of community we’re building through this event mirrors the importance of supporting each other in and out of the gym.

All of this—date nights, spending time with friends, teaching, learning new skills, and focusing on personal growth—has reminded me of the importance of balance. Whether you’re in the gym chasing a new PR or spending time with loved ones, both are essential parts of a fulfilling life. Taking time to slow down, appreciate the bright spots, and invest in what truly matters will always lead to more meaningful progress.

So, whether you’re pushing yourself through a workout, spending time with family, or tackling a personal goal, remember to slow down, enjoy the process, and embrace the balance that life—and fitness—requires.