4 Words that sparked a total perspective change.
Do you feel like you or someone you know is struggling in some area of life? Recently, Jeff and I attended the Global Leadership Conference in Chicago. This conference holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I first felt God’s confirmation to open Orangetheory 11 years ago. It was as though the speaker on stage was speaking directly to me. Have you ever had that experience? You’re in a big room, yet you feel like the message is meant just for you. The topic was Joshua 1:9, about being strong and courageous. At the time, I didn’t feel strong or courageous—just afraid. But I walked out of the conference with tears streaming down my face, knowing we were going to open Orangetheory. For me, it was never just about owning a gym. It was about building a community and changing lives through fitness.
Fast forward 11 years, and Jeff and I are at the same conference. After the first day, on our way to dinner, I asked Jeff what stood out to him. He mentioned a speaker, and not even her main message, but her words about “Being in the Middle.” She spoke about the middle of a struggle. It was crazy because that’s what resonated with me too—those words: “You’re in the middle.” What it meant to me was that this isn’t the end. When you’re in the middle of something difficult for a long time, it’s easy to forget that things will get better.
I’ve felt like I’ve been in the middle in several areas of life for a while now. My relationship with one of our teenagers has been strained for years. Health issues, like my ongoing hip and hamstring pain, have made it impossible for me to do something I love—running. And then there are the studios. We shut down during COVID, and while I made it through that mentally, the past three years have been incredibly tough for the business. It’s hard to lead a team that works so hard, yet the numbers don’t reflect their efforts.
Why am I sharing this? Because I know many of you are struggling too. I’ve heard your stories. You need to hear this: “You’re in the middle.” This isn’t the end. It will get better. I don’t know exactly how, but I’m visualizing my family connected and laughing in our kitchen, crossing the finish line of a triathlon, and seeing our studios thrive even more than they did before COVID.
I grew up in a home where the goal was to appear perfect. If you were struggling, you put on a smile and pretended everything was fine. That worked—until it didn’t. By the time I was 28, I felt like my world was crumbling. From that point forward, I embraced a core value: to be real instead of perfect.
Sometimes, I still want to play the perfect card, but I know that real connection happens in authenticity. That’s why I wanted to share what I’ve learned about being in the middle and how to get through it.
Fast forward 11 years, and Jeff and I are at the same conference. After the first day, on our way to dinner, I asked Jeff what stood out to him. He mentioned a speaker, and not even her main message, but her words about “Being in the Middle.” She spoke about the middle of a struggle. It was crazy because that’s what resonated with me too—those words: “You’re in the middle.” What it meant to me was that this isn’t the end. When you’re in the middle of something difficult for a long time, it’s easy to forget that things will get better.
I’ve felt like I’ve been in the middle in several areas of life for a while now. My relationship with one of our teenagers has been strained for years. Health issues, like my ongoing hip and hamstring pain, have made it impossible for me to do something I love—running. And then there are the studios. We shut down during COVID, and while I made it through that mentally, the past three years have been incredibly tough for the business. It’s hard to lead a team that works so hard, yet the numbers don’t reflect their efforts.
Why am I sharing this? Because I know many of you are struggling too. I’ve heard your stories. You need to hear this: “You’re in the middle.” This isn’t the end. It will get better. I don’t know exactly how, but I’m visualizing my family connected and laughing in our kitchen, crossing the finish line of a triathlon, and seeing our studios thrive even more than they did before COVID.
I grew up in a home where the goal was to appear perfect. If you were struggling, you put on a smile and pretended everything was fine. That worked—until it didn’t. By the time I was 28, I felt like my world was crumbling. From that point forward, I embraced a core value: to be real instead of perfect.
Sometimes, I still want to play the perfect card, but I know that real connection happens in authenticity. That’s why I wanted to share what I’ve learned about being in the middle and how to get through it.
- Character and lessons are forged in the middle. I’ve had to ask myself, “What am I supposed to learn from this?” When I approach struggles with curiosity, I can see the lessons—and I know there are many more to come.
- My prayer life deepens. Faith is a big part of my journey. I remember the hard things God has brought me through and trust He’ll do the same now. If faith isn’t part of your life, I believe you can still reflect on the challenges you’ve already overcome.
- Look for ways to love others. It’s easy to get consumed with my own issues—my health, my relationships, my businesses. But when I shift my focus to helping and loving others, it changes my heart.
I hope as you’re reading this, you’re not in the middle of a struggle. But if you are, just remember: this isn’t the end. Keep going—the end and a new chapter are on the way!