Nothing is Easy

Already Thanksgiving.? I can't believe how this year has flown, but it sure has been a challenge.? I'm grateful for these challenges, because they have made me stronger.

I don't so much reflect, as much as obsess, on what I think matters in my life.? During these periods of reflection, I realize that the things that matter the most to me, has been the result of some of the hardest times and experiences I have lived through.? I am grateful for that.

Some things I have learned:

1. Scary isn't impossible - Fear can be a powerful motivator when we channel it properly. The things that scare us most often lead to our greatest growth.
2. Things go wrong - Because when they do, we learn to adapt, overcome, and become more resilient. These moments teach us what we're truly capable of.
3. We need teams - I'm grateful for the people who support me when I'm at my lowest, who believe in me when I doubt myself, and who remind me why we do hard things in the first place.
4. Success isn't final - every completion is just the beginning of a new challenge. I'm thankful for the continuous journey of growth and the opportunity to keep pushing my limits.

I am another year older.? Physically, things have changed.? I don't do the long distance suffer-fest anymore.? My body made that decision for me.? It's been a struggle, for sure. But I am ok with that.? Life's greatest achievements often come through tough, personal struggle. I'm grateful to choose the harder path, to not settle and give up.?? I've had this mentality for my entire life, and it has given me strength.? This is why I often say "Nothing is Easy". My body decided that it didn't need long distance cardio.? It needs to rebuild, so now I go the gym again...I move heavy things around, and I sweat, and I experience pain, and failure.? And I love it.? It's true, nothing worth doing should be easy.

What matters most to you?? I will bet that the things that are the most important, above all else, were also the most difficult to achieve and maintain.? There is no denying that we do hard things because they transform us into who we're meant to become.

This Thanksgiving, I celebrate the challenges that have shaped me and my family, who have helped me face them.

To my Amazon Web Services (AWS) Partner Development Team:??"Here's to embracing the difficult path - because that's where true growth happens."

Happy Thanksgiving!