I litter too much, recycle too little, and spend more money than I should at less than local stores.

I complain too much, act too little, and spend more time at the gym than I do with my friends.

I read the same books, watch the same movies, and tell he same stories.

I eat the same meals, wear the same clothes, and have the same dreams.

I am training again.

And, to be completely honest... I feel that my injury (as big of a setback as it was, and at times continues to be) and time away from the sport has made me a better person. A person who is more aware of his surroundings, responsibilities, and overall goals in life. A person who is capable of listening to his body, aware of his physical limitations, and fascinated with the idea that anything is possible.

I am training smarter.

And just as anyone who is a professional athlete, or, involved with an elite level athlete in some way, shape, or form will know... training camps and time spent in the gym can often overwhelm and infect time spent outside of the gym. Being completely focused on a specific date or event can cause one to lose sight of everything else around them. Things as small as not throwing a piece of paper in the trash and things as big as losing touch with those around you.

I am trying to find a way to balance my dedication as an athlete and the need to be a good friend, brother, and person. I am trying to keep focused on my goals without overshadowing my responsibilities as an employee. I am trying to control my never ending need for change and wanderlust in order to fulfill one of the many promises I made to a friend....

And although I would love to fight at least once more... I am not sure if I am completely willing to sacrifice any of the progress that I have made throughout the past couple years in order to do so. Oddly enough, having proved to myself that I have what it takes to compete and train like I once did without re-aggravating my injury has also made me somewhat distanced from the idea of fighting again... there are so many things that I would love to do and see in this lifetime (while I am capable of doing so).

There is so much more that I have yet to accomplish.

Having said that, I will continue to train, work, and save my money.... only time will tell what happens next.