Day Twenty Six - Necessary Beginnings/Endings
February 2, 2025
Yesterday (Saturday), while Maria attended a baby shower, I took the opportunity to reconnect with some of my closest Scouting friends who were actively supporting the Winter National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) session at Camp Snyder. I had friends contributing in multiple ways—some were directly involved in training the youth, while others worked tirelessly in the kitchen to keep everyone well-fed. There are so many ways these servant leaders give back, and seeing their dedication in action was inspiring. Rick Rogers served as the Course Director for NYLT, leading the program with passion and expertise. It was gratifying to witness the impact of their efforts, from the structured leadership lessons to the behind-the-scenes support that made the training possible. The camaraderie and shared commitment to mentorship reinforced how valuable the Scouting community is in shaping future leaders.
In the picture above, I am holding a missing person’s poster of “Missing Person #17”, which is me from the movie Appetite for Sin. (NSFW: Here is the trailer link around 1:05, the Appetite for Sin listing, and my IMDb page.)
Dave played a key role in supporting the youth training and will also serve as an NYLT Course Director this summer. In addition to our shared passion for Scouting, Dave and I are founding members of the Leaders N’ Legacies podcast. Dave’s idea was to incorporate a Scout-friendly Dungeons & Dragons campaign into the show, creating an engaging and adventurous experience that aligns with Scouting values. We’re currently in Season 2 of the podcast, and I’d love for you to listen—it’s an entertaining experience for all!
Spending time with my friends at the Scouting training session filled me with a deep nostalgia. Being surrounded by the energy of dedicated Scout leaders and enthusiastic youth reminded me how much I truly miss working hands-on with Scouts to help shape future leaders. There’s something gratifying about guiding young people as they develop confidence, skills, and character. I know I’ll be back to it as soon as I heal up, but in the meantime, I can’t help but miss the camaraderie and the meaningful impact of being involved in Scouting.
While I was out there, I had the chance to spend one-on-one time with several friends, catching up on their lives and sharing updates on my situation. There isn’t much new to report about my condition—we’re still waiting on the NIH results, which should come this week. I also have an oncology appointment in the coming days, and hopefully, we’ll be able to build a plan to start the next level of treatment.
Lately, I’ve been pushing myself—probably a bit too much—physically and mentally. I’m making a conscious effort to eat enough calories so I don’t lose any more weight and to keep my mind engaged. It’s not that I’m eager to start chemo—I know it’s going to be a tough road ahead. I’ve read the blogs and the personal testimonies of those who have walked this path before me, and I understand what’s coming, though I know it will still catch me off guard in some ways.
I also know myself well enough to recognize that my instinct is to try to "hack" the process, to find a way to optimize or outthink it. But the truth is—this isn’t my field of expertise. What is within my control, however, is preparing myself both physically and mentally for the journey ahead. And that’s precisely what I plan to do.
I also started a new book by Dr. Henry Cloud “Necessary Endings.” The book's premise highlights the importance of recognizing when to let go of relationships, jobs, or commitments that hinder growth. He explains that endings are essential for progress, though they can be emotionally challenging due to fear, guilt, or uncertainty. Making the necessary endings emphasizes the benefits of freeing up time, energy, and opportunities. He warns us that avoiding endings can lead to stagnation and resentment. I am about three-quarters of the way done with the book, and I’m looking forward to finishing it later tonight. I think the book comes at a great time as I start to evaluate the future of my future and what comes after my cancer treatment.
On Sunday, I consciously tried to escape the constant news cycle—it’s just overwhelming right now. While staying informed is essential, I’ve realized that constantly absorbing the headlines, especially when so much feels uncertain, can be mentally and emotionally draining. This week, I will be more intentional about limiting my exposure to the news and instead focus on what I can control. By shifting my energy toward my health, well-being, and the things that truly matter, I hope to create a better sense of balance and peace amidst all the chaos.
Lastly, I decided to switch from Wix to Substack as my blogging platform. Substack gives me better control over how these posts are sent to subscribers, making it easier to share updates without unnecessary complications. One of my biggest frustrations with Wix was the constant flood of emails encouraging me to monetize my writing—pushing strategies to turn my posts into a revenue stream. But that was never my intention with this blog.
I started writing these posts not for profit but to document my journey, process my thoughts, and hopefully provide some insight and support to others who may face similar challenges. Life can throw unexpected obstacles our way, and if sharing my experiences can help even one person navigate their struggles with more clarity, courage, or hope, then that’s what makes it all worthwhile. This blog is about connection, reflection, and offering something meaningful—not about making money. Moving to Substack feels like a better fit for that mission, allowing me to focus on what matters: writing with purpose and reaching those who find value in these words.