HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope you, and those closest to you, had an amazing Christmas season!
As I reflect on 2012, it will go down as one of the greatest years of my life.
Was blessed to visit four continents with family and friends;
Traveled throughout the United States;
Did four marathon swims;
One ultra-marathon run;
…but most importantly, continued building Team Forever and donated thousands back to helping families who need our funding to keep their family structure intact.
A special THANK YOU to everyone who has helped support the Team Forever charitable mission – your gracious gift is the reason we are able to carry on! It is a blessing I do not take for granted, and I cannot express in words how amazing of a journey it has been thus far – to be able to explore the world in the name of charity and adventure is just beyond anything I ever thought possible!
Title Sponsor: Trustmont Financial Group
Sub-Sponsors: East Suburban Sports Medicine Center, 4C Technologies, Elisco Advertising, mslDirect and IQ Inc. and GNC Nutrition.
Special Thank You to everyone who donated to our cause, or allowed me to speak in front of your group! I will continue the motivational speaking events with anyone who needs the gift of inspiration.
So far in 2013, I have been diligently training the best way I know how in order to prepare for the upcoming final two swims as part of the ‘Oceans Seven’ Challenge – Cook Strait (New Zealand) & North Channel (Ireland)! They will be two incredibly difficult swims, especially the North Channel which is notoriously known for its frigid water temperature and blooms of ‘Lions Mane’ jellyfish. New Zealand is quite difficult as well, known for its colder water and abundance of predators which frequent the waters in and around the north and south islands.
Looking to become the first American to complete this global marathon swimming challenge!
The true spirit of our sport is very difficult to capture into words, as it typically involves traveling vast distances, living in a different culture and experiencing what could only be described as “exhilarating” to swim in some of the most treacherous bodies of water around the world! My adventures have been nothing short of incredible life experiences, and have truly allowed me to appreciate everything I have.
Next chance you have to walk outside, take a deep breath and exhale. If you believe, then thank God for being given another day – if not, just be thankful. Remember those who have gone before us, and ask yourself, “What am I doing today to make the world a better place?”
You are your own worst enemy – don’t be held back by limitations. Life just isn’t long enough to be afraid of taking advantage of everything we can to live it the best way our ability allows.
Cheers to ADVENTURE!