I’m incredibly grateful for the life I have, and I’m not someone who usually complains—but last week truly tested me. Sometimes, life throws so much at you that you start to question whether all the blood, sweat, and tears are really worth it. Am I doing what I’m meant to be doing? Is this the right path?

Last Monday started like any other. I woke up at my usual 4 a.m., but from the moment I opened my eyes, I felt the weight of the world on my chest. Those who struggle with anxiety and depression will understand—some days you wake up and just feel “off,” without any clear reason. As I lay there, I tried to convince myself that getting up and moving might help.

I got ready and started driving to the gym, but halfway there, I started to feel extremely sad. Out of nowhere, I was having a full-blown panic attack. There was no reason—it just came on. I realized I couldn’t be my best for my morning clients, and they deserve me at 100%. I made the tough call to cancel those sessions, even though that’s not something I enjoy doing.

I still headed to the gym and tried to lie down on the couch in my office to calm myself, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing. False scenarios, irrational fears-it was complete chaos and panic.

By 7:30 a.m., I pushed myself to get moving. I made it to my first travel session, then came back to the gym for a small group session. Both went as well as they could, and I had a five-hour break afterward to try and relax.

One of my biggest challenges is asking for help. I hate feeling like a burden. But I was really struggling, so I reached out to my friend Candice, a chiropractor. She got me in for some acupuncture, and I couldn’t believe the difference it made. I felt amazing—energized and ready to salvage the day.

When I returned to the gym, I caught up on some tasks, and around 3 p.m., the skies opened up. Heavy rain poured down. I made the call to cancel my 3:30 session—I didn’t feel safe to drive in that weather. In hindsight, that decision may have saved me from an even worse situation.

My gym used to be a mechanic’s garage, with two large garage doors. Early on, we noticed water could seep under them during rainstorms. We’ve been working on a solution, but nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.

About 30 minutes into the storm, water started flowing into the gym—this time from a completely different direction and it was coming in fast. I thought opening the garage doors might help drain it, but doing so would’ve let in even more water. I stood there watching water sweep across the floor, and I couldn’t do anything to stop it.

That was the moment I questioned everything.

When you’re standing in your dream—something you’ve poured yourself into—and it’s literally flooding before your eyes, it hits hard. I didn’t know what to do. There was no immediate solution. I just had to wait.

My mom called, asking if the gym was getting any water. I don’t remember what I said, but my tone must have alarmed her because she showed up right away. She walked in and instantly knew I was on the verge of breaking. My wife Megan, my friend Patrick, my mom, and I had poured so many hours into getting the gym ready in a short amount of time. Watching it flood was gut-wrenching.

There’s so much more I could say about that day, but in short—we had to pull up all the flooring so things could dry, then reinstall, trim, and tape it all over again. It took two full days of hard work. A massive thank you to everyone who showed up to help, especially Megan, who took off work and spent all day cutting and taping flooring.

In the chaos of it all, I had a moment where I seriously considered quitting. I thought, Maybe this is a sign I moved too fast. Maybe I’m not cut out for this. That’s what anxiety does—it makes you doubt everything. It feeds off stress, low self-confidence, and imagined scenarios that don’t even exist.

My mom just kept saying, “It’s going to be OK. We can clean it up.” Deep down, I knew that. I knew obstacles would come. But standing there, unable to do anything but watch the damage unfold, was one of the hardest things I’ve experienced as a business owner.

In moments like that, I need to remind myself how blessed I truly am. I’ve faced so many challenges on this journey as a trainer, and every time, I’ve found a way to push forward—thanks to the incredible support system around me. Friends, clients, family—you’ve helped carry me through.

So, thank you. Thank you for your love, your support, and your belief in me. I promise you that even on the hardest days, I will keep showing up. I will keep fighting for this dream. I will not let you down.

Yes—when it rains, it pours. But the sun still rises. Each morning brings new light, new hope, and new opportunities.

Quote of the Day:

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” — Henry Ford