21 Reasons Why I Keep Moving, Showing Up, and Staying in the Fight

After surviving sudden cardiac arrest, every single day feels like a bonus round. Movement isn’t something I take for granted anymore—it’s a gift.

One of the people who helps me live that truth is Sara, my trainer at Life Time Fitness. She challenges me, holds me accountable, and reminds me that progress comes one rep, one step, and one day at a time.

That’s why I created a list of 21 Reasons Why I move, sweat, show up, and stay in the fight. Some reasons are deeply personal, some are lighthearted, and all of them are rooted in gratitude, resilience, and the desire to Be the World’s Best version of me.

My 21 Reasons Why

Reason #1: My Sons
Because I want to be here for all their milestones.

Reason #2: My Second Chance
After surviving sudden cardiac arrest, every day is a bonus round.

Reason #3: My Future Grandchildren
I want to lift them, chase them, and dance at their weddings.

Reason #4: Because I Still Can
I don’t take the gift of movement for granted.

Reason #5: To SCUBA Dive Again
To fill my lungs and admire the beauty beneath the surface.

Reason #6: My Heart
The physical, emotional, and spiritual one.

Reason #7: To Honor My Heroes
The EMTs, nurses, doctors, friends, and Guardian Angels who saved my life.

Reason #8: My Sister
Who carried so much so gracefully during my recovery.

Reason #9: Vitamin G
Gratitude is the strongest muscle I train.

Reason #10: To Still Fit in My Old Clothes
Let’s be honest about this one.

Reason #11: To Live a Wonderful Life
Not just a long life, but a life well lived and shared.

Reason #12: To Feel Alive
Every time I move, I prove the odds wrong.

Reason #13: The 72-Year-Old Man I Taught to Swim
Inspiration flows both ways.

 

Reason #14: To Be an Example
For my family, my readers, and my community.

Reason #15: Because Resilience Is Built
It doesn’t come without effort.

Reason #16: Wheaties and Cheerios
Ask me about this one on my podcast.

Reason #17: To Worship with Movement
My body is a temple and I am still renovating.

Reason #18: Travel and Hikes
The world has so much to teach us if we listen.

Reason #19: To Keep Making Memories
Not just scrolling through the past.

Reason #20: To Take Care of Myself
So I can better care for others.

Reason #21: To Be the World’s Best Me
Every single day.

Why Your “Why” Matters

Some of these reasons are serious. Some are playful. But together they remind me of one truth: life is not just about living long—it’s about living well, with purpose, gratitude, and the people you love.

That is the heart of my mission: to help others rediscover their purpose, reignite their hearts, and elevate their lives.

What’s Your Why?

 

Those are my 21 Reasons Why. Now I’d love to hear yours.

👉 What keeps you moving, showing up, and staying in the fight?

👉 Who or what inspires you to be your best?

 

 

 

 

Drop your reasons in the comments below and create your own list.

Keep Going. Keep Growing.

This list was inspired by my book, Dying to Be the World’s Best: Reignite Your Heart to Elevate Your Life At Be the World's Best, I share tools, stories, and resources to help you live with resilience, gratitude, and purpose.

📘 Check out the book and discover practical frameworks like the 5% Rule, Vitamin G (gratitude), and the Harvest Box to help you find your own “why.”