Man, what a month November was! Spent 12 days on the less-traveled roads of this beautiful country. From the Smoky Mountains, to time on the mats where my roots took anchorage, to the gateway of the west, to meeting an inspiration under the bright lights of little Broadway, and ending in a classical haven in Johnson City. The road and its lessons remained undefeated once again.
During my travels, I spent five days in the town where it all began, but this time with a twist, on top of seeing old friends with new additions to their family. I got to test my skills by nervously dropping into a BJJ gym right there in little ole Shelbyville. Something I never thought I'd do, ever. Nevertheless, it was a success, stepping onto unfamiliar mats with great people who allowed me to test myself. Grateful for Gracie Kentucky Jiu-jitsu for the hospitality.
Next was my first time west of the Mississippi to Fenton, Missouri, home of 1st Phorm. It was an honor to spend time there with those who are refreshing to see. A group of strong men and women who fathom the values of what it means to lead by example while respecting our nation and the route paved by those who came before us. Then to Nashville, to see the man who partly inspired the creation of this website, Chris Williamson, host of Modern Wisdom. A podcast I frequently listen to. After meeting him and hearing what he had to offer, it was a mind-opening experience.
The people we look up to, especially those who have supposedly achieved "fame", are nothing short of human. No matter how grandiose the media and social media make them seem, they have no clue what they're doing, might seem like it, but believe in the truth that life gets to them even with the financial roofs over their heads. We often sacrifice the thing we're trying to achieve in the pursuit of it. We set goals to achieve happiness while sacrificing presence, which is the root of happiness, or what I prefer, peace. However, on the contrary, Chris mentioned the quote by Dan Sullivan, "True hell is when the person you are meets the person you could have been,".
Life is a constant cycle of balance, mindfully pushing ourselves to achieve our goals while taking the time to grow the ability to be present and grateful for how far we've come.
That's the key to a fulfilling life: being grateful for our lives for as long as they last. Grateful for the people along our paths. Grateful for the goals, not just the achievements. Most importantly, grateful for the hardships and setbacks because all they are, are opportunities for us to prove to ourselves what we are capable of, as individuals, as a community, and as a nation.
None of us at the end of our paths wants to look back with the thought of" it could have been me."
Peyton.
Happy Thanksgiving! Thankful for the support as we approach the fourth year of writing my crazy thoughts for those willing to learn from them.
