Circle of Trust

I normally try to write out some thoughts for CoT, but today I’m just going to speak from the heart – reflecting back on my first year doing F3. It’s been a really rewarding experience on many levels. I was brought out by my neighbor Shirley Temple for Lincoln Games 2021 here at the Outpost, with Uncle Rico on Q, and was thoroughly humbled. I thought I was in decent shape heading into it, having done regular cardio and weight lifting for years prior, but learned fairly quickly that the strength and endurance that F3 workouts require hits differently. While not the most prolific poster, this is my 169th workout over the last year – and I imagine my abilities will continue to improve going forward if I can incrementally increase that volume.

What has also been rewarding over the past year is the 2nd F / Fellowship component. I’ve been fortunate to have a pretty solid group of friends that I still actively keep in touch with since we were in college, and over the years my career has afforded me some great mentors and colleagues that I consider friends. But getting to know the stories of many other F3N PAX, and connecting with them on various topics has been really meaningful. I find myself referencing scenarios that were discussed over coffee or other 2nd F gatherings, because I value the perspective and experience of the men who participate in this program.

Lastly, the 3rd F element has been tremendous. While not a religious organization, the 3rd F is often described as the ability to think of someone other than yourself in how you live your life. Between the events like the blood donation drives, to the charitable contributions we make through the F3 Naperville Foundation, our impact on the communities where we live and workout has been nothing short of inspirational.

I look forward to what the next year holds, and encourage the new guys joining us today to keep coming out and experiencing the benefits of what I just described in your own way.

Prayer Requests: Snots relatives who were diagnosed with Covid at their advanced age, and family of Smallcakes. And for all those we hold silently in our hearts – a moment of silence. Amen!