Lead with love

What if we leaned into life in a different way? What if we pointed love toward all that we do, everyone we know, and most importantly, toward ourselves? In doing so, we set ourselves up to live intentionally, with purpose and heart. To lead with love is to lead with intention, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others and ourselves. Love isn’t a soft or sentimental gesture—it’s a powerful mindset that lifts those around us and strengthens the bonds we share. Real love leaves a lasting impact because it comes from a place of genuine care and connection. When we lead with love, we see people not as stops along our journey, but as individuals with stories, dreams, and struggles of their own. It’s about being fully present, listening deeply, and rooting every interaction in compassion and respect. A love-driven life creates relationships that are rich with trust, meaning, and mutual growth. Because in the end, people don’t remember what we achieved—they remember how they were loved, how we made them feel, and the moments when life, for just a little while, made perfect sense

Loving life because I lead with love

Joe

The path we are on

Is the path we are on the one of our choosing? How intentional are we in defining the way we want to go and the person we want to be?  Too often, we can get caught up in chasing a specific destination, thinking that success or happiness lies at a particular endpoint or what we think others want us to be. But the truth is, the path is for us to define, it is where our life happens. It’s in the steady steps forward, the observations of what we see, and the decisions we make when things get hard that our character is forged. The journey shapes us more than the destination ever could. Every day is an opportunity to grow, to reflect, to adjust our course, and to push further than we thought possible. The path may not always be clear, but if we trust the process, stay present, and remain intentional with each step, we discover that the path isn’t something we find—it’s something we create.

Loving life because I love the path I am on

Joe

Look no further

There are some obvious life insights that seem to take us all too long to figure out. We search endlessly for the answers we seek—new tools, new ideas, new paths to success or fulfillment. But sometimes, the endless quest leads us further away from the truth. The reality is, that what we’re searching for is often right in front of us, or better yet, within us. Look no further. The strength, the resilience, and the clarity we crave is already here, waiting to be tapped into. The challenge isn’t to keep searching—it’s to pause, reflect, and trust that we have what it takes to move forward. The path to a peak-performance life begins when we stop searching and start believing, in ourselves.

Loving life because I don’t need to look any further

Joe

Deepen our conviction

Only a few days into the new year and we find ourselves back at it in a world brimming with distractions, competing priorities, and fleeting trends. It’s easy to drift, our convictions diluted by the noise around us. But to live a truly intentional life, we must go deeper—beyond surface-level beliefs and passing whims. Deepening our convictions means anchoring ourselves in what truly matters and embracing the values and principles that define who we are. It’s not about being rigid or closed-minded, but rather about standing firm in our purpose while remaining open to growth. When our convictions run deep, they become the steady compass that guides us through uncertainty, helping us lead lives of meaning and purpose.

Loving life because of my conviction

Joe

“No” resolutions

We love the new year.  A fresh start.  Big ideas, aspirations, and optimism for what is possible.  And, as the clock turns to a new year, the chatter of resolutions fills the air—a list of lofty intentions scrawled with good faith but often left to wither by February. Sadly, resolutions have become fleeting promises, undone by the rush of daily life. But what if we abandoned the idea of resolutions altogether? Instead of pledging to lose weight or save more money, let’s commit to something deeper—living intentionally. Intentionality doesn’t rely on a calendar; it’s a mindset, a daily practice of aligning our actions with our values and our purpose. It’s about showing up every day with grit, grace, and a grounded resolve to pursue growth. Forget resolutions; make a commitment to live fully, with clarity and intention, every single day. That’s the kind of promise worth keeping. I am all in, whatcha think?

Loving life because I am living intentionally

Joe

Happy New Year

Oh, the simple yet profound moments we celebrate—like the turning of the clock and the calendar to mark the beginning of a new year. This moment invites us to step into the freshness of what’s ahead, carried by a unique energy—a blend of hope, possibility, and intention. It’s a time to reflect on the lessons we’ve learned, to celebrate how far we’ve come, and to look forward with purpose and clarity. The beauty of a new year isn’t just in marking time; it’s in the opportunity it gives us to recommit to our values, to dream bigger than before, and to approach the unknown with courage and optimism. Let’s welcome this year with open hearts, embracing each day as a gift and an opportunity to live intentionally, stretch our limits, and build the life we envision. Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and chasing bold dreams. Happy New Year—let’s make it extraordinary!

Loving life because it is a new year!

Joe

Take a moment to reach out

As we reach the end of the year, we start to reflect on what we set out to do, what we accomplished, and what we want to start thinking about for the next year.  But maybe it is more important to think about others and take a moment to reach out. In the swirl of our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the connections that truly matter. A simple text, a quick call, or even a brief message can bridge the gap of time and distance, reminding someone that they’re seen, valued, and important. Reaching out doesn’t require a grand gesture; it’s about presence, intention, and care. It’s a reminder that relationships thrive not in the monumental acts but in the small, consistent moments of connection. Let’s not underestimate the power of pausing, reflecting, and extending our hand—it might just be the moment someone else needs to brighten their day or lighten their load. And in doing so, we enrich our journey with the joy of connection.

Loving life because I love reaching out

Joe

Care leads to care

It is what we learn on our journey that matters the most and makes the biggest difference.  And early on, we learn that care leads to care. It’s a simple truth with profound ripples. When we take the time to show care—whether it’s listening deeply, offering a helping hand, or simply being present—we inspire others to do the same. Care is contagious, and it creates a cycle of kindness, connection, and trust that strengthens the bonds between us. It’s in the small, thoughtful gestures that we remind each other of our shared humanity. When we lead with care, we not only lift others up, but we also feel the weight of our own burdens lighten. Let "care leads to care" remind us that the energy we put into the world has the power to shape it, one meaningful act at a time.

Loving life because I care

Joe

Be the person

The longer we go on our journey, the more clear it becomes that we have a choice, which starts with us defining the person we aspire to be. It’s easy to let the current pull us into complacency, to let circumstances dictate our actions. But living intentionally means choosing to be the person who inspires, leads, and makes a difference. It means being the person who shows grace under pressure, approaches challenges with grit, and stays grounded no matter how chaotic life becomes. Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about stepping into the best version of ourselves, even when it’s hard, even when no one else is watching. So, let’s be the person who others look to for hope. Be the person who turns obstacles into opportunities. Because in the end, it’s not about what we have or what we achieve—it’s about who we become along the way.

Loving life because when I am the person

Joe

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