04/21/2026
Last Saturday, my son and his friend competed at the IRONMAN Texas. It was an incredible day with overcast skies and zero technical issues for them. When they finally crossed the finish line after a 2.5-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon, it was surreal.
The physical side of these extreme feats may be the most common and obvious aspect to admire. Let’s be real: what they’re doing is CRAZY!!
But what’s impressed me the most about my son’s journey is the internal side: the mental & spiritual center I’m watching him develop. After all, it not Race Day where people make the decision to be an Ironman. It’s every boring Tuesday where it’s easy to make excuses. It’s the one-day-at-a-time intention and follow-through that allows normal people to manifest this kind of uncommon excellence. That’s true for all of us.
It’s not just the workout Caleb’s locked into. He’s got a non-negotiable daily routine of reading, journaling, gratitude, and goals. And the fruits I’ve seen from this over the past year are even more astounding: I’m watching my son face his demons, devote himself to weekly coaching calls, uncover his shadow, figure out the core fears that still drive his unconscious behavior. I’m watching him learn to self-reflect, accept feedback, and take accountability. Now there’s a real Ironman.
Obviously, this is a proud mama moment to celebrate my kid and all he is choosing to become in his life: physically, mentally, spiritually. But it’s also a moment to celebrate what is possible in all of us, when we decide to live from our center and take full ownership of what we’re creating in the world, as well as the mindsets, patterns, behaviors, and beliefs that are keeping us from our own greatness.
The individual work we each do to strengthen our own internal connection to God/Universe is where our real power comes from, in my view. This center creates a clear vision of our purpose and the Divine power that’s behind us when we reach for it. It’s such a privilege to watch these boys find that in themselves, and unfold into their astounding potential. May their devotion to the Highest within them inspire us all!