Life is a fascinating confluence of people, places, events and time that can leave one with a remarkable sense of awe. It is simultaneously elegant in it’s simplicity and overwhelming in its complexity.
How is it that people wander through this world, totally unaware of one another, and then, though some twist of fate, their paths cross and they are in the same place, at the same time? And lives change.
Why am I speaking this way. I usually leave this cosmic stuff to mystics and steer clear of it, preferring things that are more tangible and pragmatic.
But today is a time of reflection. A mentor has stepped aside, leaving me to reassess my direction, as I no longer have his wisdom to guide me.
Over the past six months, I have experienced this on three separate occasions as people, who have dramatically influenced me in my quest for health, have moved on to other opportunities. They haven’t left my life. They are still friends and we keep in touch. But their roles in my life have evolved and once again, I am forced to grow.
Today was Coach Chad’s last day at my CrossFit box. He has been coaching for most of my time there and he has been a key motivating force in the progress of the early morning crews at 5:30 and 6:30. Chad is encouraging, knowledgable, and patient. He is also a strong competitor who knows how to have fun.
Every morning I walked into the gym I was greeted by a mischievous grin, as Chad told me he was glad to see me. And every time he said it, I believed him. Why? Because he was always caring about the people in his classes. He encouraged us, he critiqued us. He pushed us. No matter how much grief we gave him, he always smiled as he dealt with us.
Last Spring I went to the CrossFit Regionals (as a spectator of course), and Chad knew everyone. And even though it was like homecoming as he was greeted by his friends from CFNE and ReebokOne, he always took the time to introduce me, so I wasn’t left out of the conversation.
As we watched athletes compete, he took the time to point out how their performance and technique could apply to my primitive imitations of these movements.
Over the past 18 months, every moment I spent with Chad was informative, engaging and fun. When it comes to being a smart aleck, he can dish it out AND he can take it.
Chad, you will be missed and things won’t be the same without you. Thanks for everything.
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