Don't Miss the Magic
Disneyland with the fam reminded me what actually matters.
We just got back from Disneyland for our daughter’s 4th birthday. Marissa, the kids, matching Mickey ears, princess outfits. The full experience. I loved every second of it.
Maybe I’m getting extra sentimental as an almost 35-year-old, but this trip felt like such a big shift for me. I was so fully locked in the moment.
There have been times where I might not have been. Where I was half present. Phone in hand, mentally running through offseason prep or content ideas or whatever else was on the list. I’ll be honest to admit I’ve been that guy before. I think a lot of us have too in our own ways.
The trap we all fall for
We tell ourselves some version of the same lie:
“I’ll be a good dad after the season.” “I’ll be a good husband after this big deal.” “I’ll get in shape after this deadline.”
We convince ourselves that the grind now earns us the right to be present later. That joy is something we unlock after we hit the next goal. And then the next one. And the next one.
You can grind your way right past the moments and people you’re actually grinding for.
Sometimes you just need some Mickey ears and princess outfits to bring it all into perspective.
Kids don’t turn 4 again
Parenthood brings this into focus, and a physically-dependent job reminds you of it constantly: The moments don’t wait for you to notice them. Time will pass. Seasons will end.
I’m away from my kids a lot for work. That’s the reality of this job. They’re starting to get old enough to understand what I do and appreciate the value of hard work. But they’re also old enough to start noticing more when I’m not there.
They’re more aware of it, and so am I. So when I’m here, I want to be all in. Physically and mentally. No phone in my hand. No mentally drafting an email or thinking about free agency or anything else. Just dad. Just here.
We don’t need to earn joy
That’s tough for me to remember sometimes in such a stats-driven, transactional job. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my job and I am so grateful and blessed to do what I do! It’s just a fact that everything is measured. Everything is graded. We’re seeing it in overdrive with the Combine conversations right now. You start applying that same filter to your life outside the stadium and suddenly you’re treating a family vacation like something you need to deserve.
You don’t.
Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment to enjoy what’s already in front of you.
You can still chase the dream. You can still put in the hard work. But don’t build a life you’re too busy to appreciate today.
I’m right where I need to be. Maybe that’s really why it’s the Happiest Place on Earth.
Don’t miss the magic.
-KVN
LOVE this, my friend! Amazing perspective.
We have made Walt Disney World an annual staple in our family, and celebrated my son’s birthday there last summer. Nothing in the world like it. Those moments with your family are absolutely priceless.
Great post Kyle! Have not seen a better post from a football player since Jerry Rice used to run them!