Gratitude is very difficult to grasp in the midst in abundance. It’s hard to appreciate anything when you have so much of everything.

We want the best version of ourselves, but we resist the route that will take us there.

"We love telling stories about perseverance, but we hate living through it," he said. "Perseverance is painful. But the purpose of your future is sometimes birthed in the pain of the fire."

As I continue the tradition of capturing my thoughts on my flight to another World Championships, this time returning to Budapest, I have to reflect on life’s changes.