13 years ago I was 15

13 years ago I was 15

For the last 13 years I’ve been trying to figure out how to actually be myself. What to believe in. What path to take. Who to trust. Where to live. How to live. What kind of man I want to be.

Running was always the one thing that made sense. Everything else felt up in the air.

I’ve struggled to open up and say what’s really on my mind. A lot of that comes from things that made me stop trusting people. At the same time I still believe in people more than anything. That’s the contradiction I live with.

I don’t have all the answers. I don’t think I ever will. But I do have things now that I didn’t have back then. Experience. Perspective. A few things I know are real.

1. I know my family loves me no matter what I do or how bad I mess up (and I’ve definitely tested that).
2. I know there’s something bigger than me involved in all of this. I call it God.
3. I know there is no mistake or wrong path that can’t be turned into something better.

I’ve met some of the best, most talented, loving, just genuinely good people you could ever meet, especially here in Sarasota. I could name a dozen without a minute's thought. I’ve also been through some of the worst things I could imagine. Through all of it, one thing has stayed true.

Love is the reason any of this matters.

To my 15 year old self,
I love you
I’m grateful for you
Be at peace

I got us now.