I’m tired.
That’s right, I said it. I’m worn down. Physically, emotionally, psychologically, and so on, I’m spent.
Nobody said this would be easy, and lord knows I completely signed myself up for this. I’m not complaining at all, I just wanted to share the feelings with you.
I guess a part of it has to do with the fact that two of my best friends, my rocks, are both going through extremely difficult (and totally different) situations in their personal lives right now. Both of these people have rooted me on when I didn’t think I had the courage to make the leap; now, both of them are in impossible situations in their own lives.
And I’m there for both of these people, 100%. I stand by my best friends at every opportunity; I think that’s why they trust me with that title.
But sharing deep emotional connections with people carries a lot of weight. Just like a marriage, the good comes with the bad, and going in, you know that … but when two of your best friends are going through super tough times, it will inevitably weigh on you, as well.
Another big part of it is my desire to please everyone at all times. The places I’ve been to so far, here in the Northeast, pretty much everyone has been to (especially here in Boston). Everyone knows a spot, knows a guy, etc., and everyone feels like an insider.
Again, I want it this way. Successful social media is about inclusion; literally having everyone be a part of what’s going on.
But it’s difficult. If a good friend says “oh, you need to go here!” I am very inclined to go. If I don’t go, it feels disrespectful. Same thing at each restaurant: if they tell me the best thing on the menu is pastrami, when all I really want is a chicken Caesar salad, I’ve been all about the pastrami. It’s not a healthy lifestyle by any means.
So if you’re reading this, please accept this as my apology in advance:
I absolutely cannot fulfill every suggestion or request made, even by my closest friends.
I’m sorry. I can’t do it.
By all accounts, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Each place I visit is exciting and wonderful, and many of you have a story to offer about it. That’s great!
I ask that you continue to offer comments and suggestions with the same high level of enthusiasm, but please realize that I will not be able to fulfill them all.
I will not be able to meet up with all of your friends or family members, especially if they are out of the way of my itinerary (which is pretty clearly spelled out). (No, I am not changing the itinerary at this point. This is not a summer vacation.)
I will not be able to eat or drink at every place you suggest along the way.
I have spent four days trying to do everything, visit everyone and experience all that there is to see and do in every city.
My whole life, my whole career is about learning and improving, and after four days, I’ve reiterated my understanding of this one point:
You can’t please everyone all the time.
So please, I urge you. Continue to support me. I need your prayers, your thoughts, your likes, comments and shares.
Don't get me wrong. I’m having a blast. And I’m fine; better than fine, in fact, I feel great.
But there are 86 days to go, many of them with a lot more driving than I’ve done so far.
I need to broaden my focus, on the bigger picture, and right now, that means developing a pace, sacrificing certain experiences to make sure I can fulfill others.
It’s nothing personal, because it is so intensely personal.
To you, #TeamStrub is fun, designed to make you smile and laugh.
To me, #TeamStrub is my life. Literally. And I’m going to need to live it my way, on my terms.
Thanks, and stay tuned …