25 years ago today… my life changed. Not gradually, not day-by-day… instantly. It was the culmination of 5 years of auditioning, hundreds of hours on stage, thousands of hours traveling, preparing, dreaming, hoping, hearing “no”, and making up reasons to keep going. But the shift was overnight. There was life before becoming famous… and life after. Both have their benefits, both have their obstacles. I recall the biggest surprise being how little it thrilled me to be able to brag. For years, when extended family would ask, “You get anything, yet?” I LONGED to be able to say, “Yes!” and follow it up with something impressive. Then… when I’d finally gotten the thing that was plastered on so many billboards and bus stops that no one even HAD to ask… I recall wondering what hell I’d been pining for. It didn’t feel like a finish line. It wasn’t a salve for insecurities – it was a pressure cooker. Long-buried traumas didn’t disappear – they now lived closer to the surface. There were also some cool “pinch myself” moments along the way… but the truth is I didn’t know what to do with fame for the longest… because it took me a while to realize it wasn’t actually about me. It’s not a collection of energy… it’s a connection – one that requires circuitry to maintain. Its not an end game, it’s a tool – one that becomes burdensome if you can’t figure out its utility. And while I used to feel like it created a weird separation from people… now I feel like it connects me in a way I really appreciate. Which is all, really… a long-ass way of saying thank you. Thank you to everyone I’ve encountered as a result of this strange, wild, rocket ship ride, and to my fellow passengers who were strapped in alongside me… it’s good to know you. Makes me happy to see you all doing so well. Happy anniversary, guys. #dawsonscreek
#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, “Wow,” is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing – and might be for the rest of my life. The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel re-charged. I’d anticipated a metaphysical element to the trip, but I was caught off-gaurd at just how deeply I felt the spiritual resonance of all these temples. I mean, they are “temples”, after all (duh), but whatever assumptions I had about these otherworldly structures being “antiquities” faded as soon as I stepped into them. These were holy places, built to connect to the divine as best they understood it at the time. I left with reverence and awe – my eyes, heart, and soul expanded. Deepest thanks to everyone who made it possible. @matiasgustavodestefano #travel #travelwithkids #spirituality #spiritualawakenings
#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, “Wow,” is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing – and might be for the rest of my life. The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel re-charged. I’d anticipated a metaphysical element to the trip, but I was caught off-gaurd at just how deeply I felt the spiritual resonance of all these temples. I mean, they are “temples”, after all (duh), but whatever assumptions I had about these otherworldly structures being “antiquities” faded as soon as I stepped into them. These were holy places, built to connect to the divine as best they understood it at the time. I left with reverence and awe – my eyes, heart, and soul expanded. Deepest thanks to everyone who made it possible. @matiasgustavodestefano #travel #travelwithkids #spirituality #spiritualawakenings
#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, “Wow,” is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing – and might be for the rest of my life. The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel re-charged. I’d anticipated a metaphysical element to the trip, but I was caught off-gaurd at just how deeply I felt the spiritual resonance of all these temples. I mean, they are “temples”, after all (duh), but whatever assumptions I had about these otherworldly structures being “antiquities” faded as soon as I stepped into them. These were holy places, built to connect to the divine as best they understood it at the time. I left with reverence and awe – my eyes, heart, and soul expanded. Deepest thanks to everyone who made it possible. @matiasgustavodestefano #travel #travelwithkids #spirituality #spiritualawakenings
#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, “Wow,” is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing – and might be for the rest of my life. The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel re-charged. I’d anticipated a metaphysical element to the trip, but I was caught off-gaurd at just how deeply I felt the spiritual resonance of all these temples. I mean, they are “temples”, after all (duh), but whatever assumptions I had about these otherworldly structures being “antiquities” faded as soon as I stepped into them. These were holy places, built to connect to the divine as best they understood it at the time. I left with reverence and awe – my eyes, heart, and soul expanded. Deepest thanks to everyone who made it possible. @matiasgustavodestefano #travel #travelwithkids #spirituality #spiritualawakenings
#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, “Wow,” is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing – and might be for the rest of my life. The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel re-charged. I’d anticipated a metaphysical element to the trip, but I was caught off-gaurd at just how deeply I felt the spiritual resonance of all these temples. I mean, they are “temples”, after all (duh), but whatever assumptions I had about these otherworldly structures being “antiquities” faded as soon as I stepped into them. These were holy places, built to connect to the divine as best they understood it at the time. I left with reverence and awe – my eyes, heart, and soul expanded. Deepest thanks to everyone who made it possible. @matiasgustavodestefano #travel #travelwithkids #spirituality #spiritualawakenings
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
9 years old today. 9 years of getting to live in the same house with sweet, loving kindness personified. I knew you were different the moment you came out… and since then, you’ve known you will always win a “Make Dad Laugh” competition, no matter my mood. Sensitive people can be a bit more vulnerable to what this world throws at them, but may you are always find refuge inside that beautiful, soft heart of yours… fully confident that gift of your presence is enough to offer joy to whomever is near – IF people are open. If they’re not… it’s their loss, not yours 😘 Keep shining, kid. Keep dancing, keep laughing, and keep expressing every feeling as it comes up for you. We’re here for ALL of it. I love you.
I’m grateful for all the in-between times. Between Christmas and New Years, between awake and up-and-at-’em, between goals, destinations, and all the big events we plan for, anticipate, and vow to remember. Looking back on the year… it’s the joy and presence I’ve found in the midst of everything I’d been rushing towards that warms my heart the most. Wishing you all a beautiful 2023… and in the meantime, appreciation for the miracle that is this very moment ❤️ #HappyNewYear #YearinReview #presence #fatherhood
I’m grateful for all the in-between times. Between Christmas and New Years, between awake and up-and-at-’em, between goals, destinations, and all the big events we plan for, anticipate, and vow to remember. Looking back on the year… it’s the joy and presence I’ve found in the midst of everything I’d been rushing towards that warms my heart the most. Wishing you all a beautiful 2023… and in the meantime, appreciation for the miracle that is this very moment ❤️ #HappyNewYear #YearinReview #presence #fatherhood
I’m grateful for all the in-between times. Between Christmas and New Years, between awake and up-and-at-’em, between goals, destinations, and all the big events we plan for, anticipate, and vow to remember. Looking back on the year… it’s the joy and presence I’ve found in the midst of everything I’d been rushing towards that warms my heart the most. Wishing you all a beautiful 2023… and in the meantime, appreciation for the miracle that is this very moment ❤️ #HappyNewYear #YearinReview #presence #fatherhood
I’m grateful for all the in-between times. Between Christmas and New Years, between awake and up-and-at-’em, between goals, destinations, and all the big events we plan for, anticipate, and vow to remember. Looking back on the year… it’s the joy and presence I’ve found in the midst of everything I’d been rushing towards that warms my heart the most. Wishing you all a beautiful 2023… and in the meantime, appreciation for the miracle that is this very moment ❤️ #HappyNewYear #YearinReview #presence #fatherhood
I’m grateful for all the in-between times. Between Christmas and New Years, between awake and up-and-at-’em, between goals, destinations, and all the big events we plan for, anticipate, and vow to remember. Looking back on the year… it’s the joy and presence I’ve found in the midst of everything I’d been rushing towards that warms my heart the most. Wishing you all a beautiful 2023… and in the meantime, appreciation for the miracle that is this very moment ❤️ #HappyNewYear #YearinReview #presence #fatherhood
Continue to appreciate how seriously Texans take being neighborly. #Freeze #woodburningstove #goodneighbors #DIY
Sometimes it’s good to thoroughly vet your kid’s off-the-wall ideas… sometimes it’s better to simply support their vision and let them run with it. In these younger years, I find myself leaning toward the latter. #flyingsquirrel #parkour #parenting
Ready for a #VarsityBlues sequel 😳💪 #football #kids #SnowDay #TexasFreeze
