Everybody’s heard that one right? Well, the death and taxes part anyway. The last few weeks of my life have seen all 3. I lost my dad on April 4th after a long term illness, paid my taxes, and yesterday I did a little CrossFit.
Losing my dad was tough, but with help from my friends and family, I know I’ll get through it. I’ll miss my dad for sure, but that doesn’t mean he won’t continue to affect my life in a positive way. My dad taught me a lot of stuff – and I’m going to take advantage of that. I’ll also be sure to remember the good times.
After my dad passed I decided I would take some time off from working out – not for any reason other than to let my body recover a bit. I’d been having a few back/shoulder issues so I took a break to let my body heal. I also needed to take some time off from running classes to take care of arrangements and to be with my family.
After a week off I was fired up to get back after it. So I did. I didn’t force myself. I just did because it’s what I like doing. I mean it sucked! 🙂 But it was good. CrossFit isn’t something I force myself to do, it’s just a part of my life and something I enjoy now. Some people may prefer bodybuilding, running, or racquetball and that’s fine. The important thing is that being active (CrossFit) has become a part of my life. It’s not forced, nor is it something I dread. I like CrossFit and the people I CrossFit with. Being healthy will always include some sort of physical exercise. Finding something you enjoy is key. I found something I enjoy and I and gained an entirely new group of friends in the process. I wish the same for everybody else. Health should be another one of life’s guarantees. If you haven’t found it, keep searching.
So in the last few weeks I lost my dad, and I will miss him. I also worked out and ate well – and will continue to do so for the rest of my life…and that’s pretty cool. Oh yeah, I also paid my f****ing taxes today.
-JD
JD, it’s always great to read your thoughts and writings because I can tell they come from a place of true heart felt emotion. As I sat at your dad’s funeral I kept thinking about two things. One, that you have been exceptionally strong to have lost both parents and your mother in law at such a young age. That would bury most people but it goes to show how strong your character really is. Not only does it not stop you but you seem to get stronger and continue to inspire more people. And two, that the legacy your parents have left through you is amazing. The things that they were able to teach you have helped you inspire and motivate at least hundreds of others. That impressive. Not to many people have had direct influence on making so many people’s lives better. When I walked into MCCF in November of ’09 and you looked right at me and said, “no try before you buy”, insinuating I wasn’t welcome, I thought you were a real dick! And now I still think that you are but I have grown to admire you as an excellent example of persiverence. Thank you for all your coaching and friendship. Love you like a brother. “You may never know how far reaching something you may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow” ~ BJ Palmer
Dang man! Thanks!