“Having a baby is hard.” This is usually my response when people ask me what it is like having a newborn at home. “It is also one of the most beautiful and rewarding things that has happened to me and has brought a newfound perspective and appreciation to my life!”
My amazing wife and I prepared as best as we could but everyone who told us “You’ll never really be ready!” were very right. Anyone reading this who have kids of their own can surely relate. That being said one important thing my wife and I had before Tori was born was a very clear set of principles we wanted to live by and raise Tori with. These principles in order are health, family and pursuing something you love as a career.
Being our top priority it was paramount that both my wife and I maintained a lifestyle focused on health. For my wife this meant making sure she got to Blended for her fitness on a regular basis. I have to admit since I work at the gym it has made this easier than most other families. I try to arrange my schedule so I can help with Tori while Giselle works out. However, this doesn’t always work out as seamlessly as we would like. Sometimes I get hung up in a late meeting, or need to deal with an issue unexpectedly. Some days we are both coming in without sleep needing some motivation to workout and other days we are dealing with another aspect of parenthood we hadn’t planned for. I can’t say enough about how the entire community at Blended as accepted Tori into the Blended family. Every time Tori and Giselle walk in they feel the support of every single person in the gym. Former strangers offering to hold Tori, offering advice, encouragement and inspiring motivation has made becoming a parent that much easier. I will be forever grateful to the Blended community for how they’ve treated our young family.
After reflecting on my own experience I realized my situation isn’t all that unique. Over the years at Blended I have been witness to community members fighting cancer, dealing with death, struggling with mental health demons and suffering career and financial setbacks. It is said that a rising tide raises all boats. Blended’s community is that tide! Blended is more than a gym. It is a group of amazing people from all walks of life who share one thing in common….the desire to pursue excellence. Creating a community of these individuals is truly extraordinary. There is nothing more powerful than a group of passionate people with a shared belief in helping each other succeed. If you open yourself up to it and show your vulnerability there is nothing this community can’t help you with.
Last week Tori Mae Davis celebrated her 9 month birthday. As I watch her grow up having Blended as her second home I am excited about the strong woman she will become knowing this tide is behind her raising her up.
#proudtobeblended
-Jason Davis
