01/01/2025
Defining Moments of 2024: A Year to Never Forget on This New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day, our thoughts often turn to the promise of the year ahead—the possibilities, the goals, and the fresh opportunities that await. But this New Year’s Day, I feel compelled to look back with gratitude and savor the moments that made 2024 extraordinary. For me, it was a year of profound significance—a testament to resilience, achievement, and above all, gratitude.
The story of this remarkable year begins with the creation of The New Heart for Life Community. This initiative wasn’t just a professional milestone; it was a deeply personal one. It became an inspiring platform for growing, engaging, and collaborating with the young adults of The New Heart for Life Community. Born out of my experiences with open-heart surgery and near-death encounters, this global team of college ambassadors, inspired by my story, became passionate about helping others live a fit and quality life. Their passion is guided by a playbook derived from my book, '21 Fitness Principles,' which they can share with others and apply in their own personal academic and fitness lives. It reminded me that adversity, while challenging, can ignite a purpose far greater than ourselves: the mission to help others embrace a life of quality, meaning, and vitality.
March brought a deeply emotional milestone as I walked the stage at my college graduation in Phoenix, Arizona. Achieving this dream was more than a personal victory; it felt like a spiritual connection to my late mother. I imagined her smiling, offering her silent approval, and in that moment, the weight of her love and encouragement became tangible. It was a profound reminder of the enduring bond we share with those who shape us, even after they are gone.
In June, I had the privilege of participating in the Pan Am Games in Cleveland, Ohio. This experience was a celebration of sportsmanship and cultural unity. Exchanging shirts with a Brazilian athlete and receiving a heartfelt token from a Mexican swimmer exemplified the universal language of sports. These moments of camaraderie reminded me that competition is not just about winning medals but about building bridges across cultures and forging meaningful connections.
August marked yet another highlight as I represented my hospital at the Veteran Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City. Transitioning from a patient to a competitive athlete felt surreal, a journey that symbolized resilience and triumph over adversity. The medals I earned were more than honors; they were affirmations of perseverance and the human spirit’s boundless potential.
As the leaves turned to the vibrant hues of fall, my partner, Karen, and I found solace and joy in the heart of New York City. From standing in awe at iconic landmarks to soaking in the wonder of Broadway’s magic, our escape to the bustling metropolis was a celebration of life’s simple yet profound pleasures. It was a reminder that stepping out of our routines and comfort zones to explore and connect can ignite moments of wonder that fuel the resilience of the human spirit.
The year culminated in the warmth and love of the Christmas season, a time filled with cherished moments with my daughters and grandchildren. Sharing laughter and stories around the tree, their presence reminded me of the blessings of family. On Christmas Eve, I attended a service that truly reinforced the spirit of the season, its message of hope, love, and renewal resonating deeply as I reflected on the year gone by. As I reflected on the extraordinary journey of 2024, my thoughts turned to the promise of 2025. I look forward to inspiring, growing, and engaging with the young adults of The New Heart for Life Community. With indoor competitive events on the horizon, I am eager to carry forward the spirit of resilience, achievement, and gratitude that defined this past year.
In a world that often tests our limits, it is within the trials of adversity that we discover our greatest strengths. The lessons and memories of 2024 stand as a testament to the beauty of perseverance and the power of gratitude. May they inspire you, as they have inspired me, to embrace the coming year with courage, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the possibilities that lie ahead.
