Hi All,

I’m only week one into this challenge, and two weeks into ITU business track; but I’d like to share something that I’ve been going through already. I’ve been on two of the zoom calls for the challenge, plus a few other general zoom ITU meetings. I’m surprised at how emotional I felt during, and after the calls. Fighting back tears by the end, or right afterwards. Today I tried to figure out why. I started two years ago watching all Tom’s videos; I’ve listened to hundreds of hours, driven all over with them, exercised at 4 a.m. (alone) thinking of them; I’ve fought alone for almost two years to make amazing changes in my life, and be a better man for my wife and sons. And now I get on these calls and after two years find other people on the same path. And it’s bitter/sweet. So sweet to finally have others to walk with on the path. So bitter to think about how freakin hard it was/is to take this journey on your own. For anyone else out there that may feel even the slightest bit alone, please know there are so many of us that know the feeling and can now be there for you. The other thing that is really impacting me is to hear members stories around depression. I’m almost 60 now and have gone through some really really tough situations. And when I meet other Impactivists around half my age (old enough to be my son or daughter) that are facing that kind of challenge, my heart goes out to them, and my father instincts want to kick in. As parents I/we were obsessed with teaching our kids how to NEVER be depressed in life. I didn’t ever want my kids to feel the things I went through as a kid. So when we meet on-line, or in person, if I seem passionate about this (or any) issue, its coming from compassion, and passion (to help). Congratulations and kudos to ANYONE who has had the courage to join this group and take even a small step in a new direction. If I can help in any way please don’t hesitate to reach out. Carpe diem!