Three Years Later…Magic
Last week marked three years since we moved, sight unseen, to Portugal. I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible journey it has been, and how one courageous leap can ripple out into so many unexpected blessings.
After just two months of frantic preparation to pack up our lives, we landed in Lisbon with eight suitcases, two weary teenagers, my wife recovering from major surgery, and our dog.
To say I questioned my gut-level decision to uproot our family would be an understatement. Tania was in pain, the kids kept giving me the “WTF, Dad?” look, and we were crammed into a random Airbnb outside Lisbon.
In the middle of doubt and fear, one thing kept me steady: a quiet, persistent voice in my gut saying, keep trusting, things will work out.
Fast forward to today, and I feel nothing but awe and gratitude. Cascais is now our home and community. We love being here, especially when friends and family come to visit.
Colby graduated with honors and is soon heading off to Cambridge. Sierra is thriving, entering her senior year and preparing for a gap year to explore life more deeply. Tania is not only the healthiest she has been in years, but her company has just opened a Lisbon office that allows her to fully reengage with her work.
As for me, I am proud and grateful that we took the road less traveled. This leap has opened doors and experiences I could never have imagined…incredible family adventures, a deep sense of community and a new perspective on being of service.
Coaching can often be solitary work, but this year I have partnered on several projects that truly excite me:
With another coach and two incredible women, we are creating a two-month in-person program for parents at Sierra’s school, helping them navigate career transitions.
With a friend from Marin, I am helping bring his vision to life of creating a community for professionals seeking meaning and purpose through online programs and a Costa Rica retreat in early 2026 (dm me if this sounds intriguing).
And I've created and collaborated on a local bitcoin group that now includes 200+ people, building community, supporting financial freedom, and giving back locally.
What I have learned is that sometimes life calls us into big, dramatic leaps that everyone can see. Other times, the shifts are quieter and less visible, but no less scary.
Right now I feel the nervous excitement of stepping further into leadership, sharing more publicly, and continuing to invite others to let go of all the reasons we resist change and instead follow the gut nudges that lead us into the unknown.
Because whether loud or subtle, these leaps can make all the difference and the impact ripples for the rest of your life.
What’s your next leap, big or small?