Transitions from War

Happy Flag Day to all my fellow Americans. My wish is that we all remember what the flag truly stands for, which is bigger than partisan politics, bigger than red vs. blue, bigger than plastic patriotism and loud cries of love it or leave it. Let’s do our best to embody the ideals set forth by We the People, in Order to form a more perfect Union . . . .... . #flagday #flagday #carrytheflag #honorthefallen #honorthefallen #america #unitedstates #truepatriot #realpatriot #unity #life #liberty #pursuitofhappiness See more

This is the face I make when I am full of gratitude! Specifically, I’m grateful to know so many wonderful people who donated to get my friend Todd Godwin a new headstone so that his family could spend time with him and not have to worry that his current headstone is faded and unserviceable. Not only did we get the support from Marines Todd and I served with, but so many people who never knew Todd in this life generously donated too. I’m so moved by all of you and your thought...fulness. Thank you and Semper Fi! . When I am able to visit Todd and see his new headstone, I will take some pictures to share with you all so you can see how you helped him and his family. . . . . . #gratitude #thankyou #marinecorps #marinecorpsveteran #semperfi See more

Wishing everyone at IRONMAN 70.3 Honu a great race. Just knowing that people are racing in Kona this weekend gets me all pumped and a little jittery. There is a very spiritual vibe to that island I can’t quite put into words other than it is silently large and present with you. Stoked, stoked, stoked!

I think of these words every time I carry the flag. Never forget what, though? For me, it is to never forget our fallen. To remember them, not as saints or perfect beings, but as humans who shared this world with us. Never forget their names, their stories. . Never forget to giveGold Star Families permission to talk about their loved one. To give them the space to do so. . Never forget that they had hopes and dreams once too. They had a future cut short. ... . Never forget that our life on this planet will end some day. What can we do to honor the loss of these men and women? How can we live our lives in a way that would make them proud? . Never Forget . . . . . #neverforget #honorthefallen #honorthefallen #carrytheflag #americanflag #americanflag #goldstarfamilies #goldstarinitiative See more

Happy to report I’m falling back in love with cycling. Ive gone from hating to tolerating and now to loving it. It probably helps that I have a steal horse from @feltbicycles . Who else loves the bike? . . . .... . #feltbicycles #cyclinglife #cyclingstyle #fromwhereiride #tribikes #photography #bicycle #cycle #cyclingphoto #cyclingshots #sport #feltbikesusa #cyclingaddict #roadcycling #bikelife #cyclingpassion #bike #cyclist #instacycling #cyclingphotos #cyclingphotography #cyclinglifestyle #cyclinggirl #ciclismo #cyclingshot #cyclingpics #imfambassadors #cyclinglove #tribike #roadbike See more

The best support crew a dad could ask for. . . . .... . #supportcrew #mykidsandi #ironmantri #ironmansupportcrew #mykidsaremylife #triathlon #triathlonlife #3athlonlife #3athlon #racdeday See more

Who is intimidated by swimming ? I was. I still am sometimes when it comes to a hard swim workout. Like many things, the anticipation of it is usually worse than the event itself. My mind will future trip and psyche me out. It will create worries, literally create worries out of thin air. Sound familiar to anyone? . So what do we do with worry and anticipation? You might already know my answer: Breathe. When I’m worried I practice what is called grounding. This is w...here, with eyes open, you breathe and notice your breath, your body, and your environment. Here is how you can do this: 1- Breathe in and out through your nose. 2- Notice your feet touching the ground. Notice what that really feels like. 3- Whenever a thought arises, greet it by saying hello thought or however you’d like to greet it, and then without judgement, refocus your mind on your body. 4- Notice different parts of your body and see if there is anything you can relax or soften. Pro tip: check your shoulders, jaw, facial muscles. Lots of tension is commonly found here! 5- Notice your environment around you. What do you see, hear, smell, feel, and even taste? Note those things a silently or out loud. 6- If, after doing this for several minutes you still feel some residual nervousness in n your body, then shake it out. Yes, literally shake it out like you see dogs do. Spend a few seconds to a couple minutes shaking your body like a dog trying to dry itself off. This will help get rid of that nervous energy. 7- Smile and remember that you are right here, right now. We can face each situation with dignity. 8- Repeat as necessary. . What helps you deal with anticipation or anxiety? . . . . . #anxiety #anxietyrelief #grounding #groundingtechniques #nervousness #nervousenergy #calming #mindset #beherenow #triathlontraining #swimming #swim #swimmer #triathlon #ironmantri #breathe #shakeitout #mentalstrength See more

Some of my best memories growing up were the times my dad took me fishing. I think it was the combination of quality time with him, the wonder and hope of catching a fish, the focus required but no pressure to perform, and that primal drive to hunt. I’m hoping these will be fond memories for my little ones when they are older. . So thankful to be alive and to have returned from war to enjoy this with my kids. . .... . . . #fatherandson #fathersonfishing #fathersontime #fishing #qualitytime #fishingtrip See more

There are very few things more special than a hug from a Gold Star Mom. Thank you to all our Gold Star Families. We honor your sacrifice and pray for your peace. . . . .... . #goldstarinitiative #goldstarfamilies #goldstarmom #goldstarmothers #goldstarfamily #ironmantri #ironmansantarosa #finishline #finislinefeeling #finishlinefeels See more