I've got mixed emotions about it. In two days, I'll be turning 50.

One one hand, I'm so grateful. After all, this was me at 25 (give or take a year)...

I wasn't even at my biggest yet. 

If I were to guess, I'd say I was about 275 to 285 here. I eventually got to 300+lbs. 

And this pic below is likely the last photo of me in my 40s. I took it yesterday afternoon:

Yes, those are a pair of drum sticks in my hand. 

I had just gotten back from a workout which was some knee rehab exercises and a walk outside on a beautiful day. I almost did a jam session with the electronic drum set I just got from my in-laws, but I had some work stuff to do. I'm going to save it for Friday I guess. :)

Now for some real talk...

Just being transparent, this past year has been challenging for me both physically and mentally... 

In December of last year, I hurt my knee from too much basketball. I tried to come back in March when I thought it healed, but I started too soon and too fast. I haven't been back on the court since then.

I was battling depression and I also felt like I was living a lie...

I always encouraged you and my coaching clients to stay active, but here I was struggling to walk more than 15 minutes before the pain set in. 

I felt like I was telling my clients (and you) one thing, but doing another. 

So, after 4 years of not belonging to one, I joined a gym. It was one of the best decisions I made for my mental health. I always come home refreshed and refocused.

Plus, I felt like my vision went into a downward spiral overnight. Come to find out, I needed glasses. I didn't see that coming (pun intended). 

Personally, there's been some challenges, too...

Both of our boys are in middle school. Enough said there lol. 

My in-laws moved into our basement a little over a year ago. It was a challenging process but I'm glad it's behind us and we can now take care of them easier. Lots of dr visits my wife and I have to coordinate, but we're managing it pretty well. 

To top it off, my parents are moving again and they will be about 2-1/2 hours away. 

I'm happy and excited for them as they will be taken care of from my older sister and brother-in-law. But gee whiz - a few years ago, I could walk to their house in 10 minutes for our weekly coffee. They currently live about 40 minutes away and we meet each other halfway each week for breakfast.

This would be easier if I didn't like them LOL. But I adore and love them. We even attend the same church, which makes this move much harder. 

I'm praying through it and it's good to know they will be in good hands.

Anyway, my knee is getting better and better (I enjoy going on 30-45 minute walks now to stay active in conjunction with my strength training). 

Lately on my walks, I've heard the marching band at the high school across the street and the sound brings nostalgia. 

I was in the drum line in high school and it brings a smile to my face hearing that glorious sound. It's hard to believe that was 31+ years ago.

So, on one of those walks, I came up with a crazy idea. 

I'm going to pay for your investment of working with me 1-on-1 for the first two months. 

Yeah, I really said that. Stay tuned for details on that tomorrow. 

One thing I've learned to do since my activity level plummeted (at least compared to what it used to be), I've gotten creative to stay active.

So here's a handy guide on doing that.

I hope you find it helpful.

And thanks for letting me share my personal stuff with you. 

It feels good to "let it out" and I'm also hoping that if you're experiencing something similar, you're not alone.

In your corner,

Mikey