YOLO — The Next 50
People love to say “you only live once!” I used to parrot it too, right before ordering another round.
We use it to justify certain lifestyles, behaviors, or even bad habits. But IF we truly only live once, shouldn’t it to be a longer, healthier expedition? With that in mind, I’m making lifestyle choices and sacrifices. And, I’m no longer counting on a fortunate roll of the genetic dice.
50 and Beyond:
I went hard for years and drank way too much. Despite maintaining a good diet and workout regimen, I was basically a walking billboard for “future health problems.” My blood pressure and liver enzymes were through the roof! And please don’t ask about my mental health at that time. It’s triggering! I was a fraud, posing for magazines like Men’s Health while my insides were screaming for mercy! But, I gave up the drinking five years ago which has cascaded to other smart and healthy habits. Thank God because in what feels like a blink, I’m now staring down my 50th birthday on October 1st, 2026.
Priorities:
We’ve seen it in movies and tv shows, and some of us in real life. In their final years, people often regret working too much, not spending enough time with loved ones, and neglecting their personal health. As the credits of my life roll, those won’t make the cut. Recent events, along with turning half a century old, have thoughts of legacy tugging at me; both personally and professionally
Still feeling young and ambitious, there are career based dreams and goals that I will not stop chasing. But more importantly, I want a fulfilling life with my wife, to be around as long as possible for my kids, and hopefully my grandkids, and to feel REALLY good while doing it. Well, “actions give hope a shape.” More experts, therapists, and podcasters than I care to count have stressed the importance of “only focusing on the things you can control.” Exercise, nutrition, sleep, and just overall care for myself are all in my control, so I’ve taken action.
My Idol Comes With A Warning:
Watching my father slowly decline due to Parkinsons and Dementia has been difficult. Frankly, it’s bullshit. TK, as I like to call him, is not a perfect man. But on top of working hard to be a wonderful husband and father of five, the dance studio he passionately built with my mother has had a profoundly positive effect on many people’s lives. The letters and testimonials from countless former students prove it. Their stories of my dad will live on forever.
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In many ways, I’ve tried hard to follow in his footsteps; starting with college, on to Broadway, then chasing bigger dreams. Unfulfilled in his career at 48 years old, TK opened that dance studio to provide kids with the best dance education possible. I was 12 years old as he juggled the launch of this new business while still holding his stock broking job to pay the bills. Where did he find the time to coach my travel baseball team? I didn’t think about it then, but I certainly do now. Grateful for this man. His legacy is rich.
My dad has lived an admirable life, but his final twilight years of mental and physical decline are not befitting of the man. Unfortunately, that is part of his story, but I don’t plan on it being part of mine.
A Different Path:
A month from being 50, a receding hairline my son likes to point out, and a jawline that ain’t so sharp anymore; that’s the guy in the mirror, but in no way is he slowing down!
The prelude to my legacy is being written. I’ve been focused on truly being healthy, inside and out, and that has given me a second chance at so many things; most importantly, being a husband and father. Okay, it’s like the fifth chance as a husband with my patient wife, but who’s counting?
The desire to keep growing and learning, how I talk to myself and rigorously treat my body, along with how I care for and love the people around me; that’s the first part of the legacy I wish to leave. Life is unpredictable, but again, I’m focusing on the things I can control in an effort to make this a long, enjoyable journey. Disclaimer: minor road rage is still a thing for me, but I’m continuously working on it.
Love What You Do:
I’ve lived a charmed life, and continue to have an exciting and interesting career in the entertainment business. Sadly, for too long, I wasn’t present enough to enjoy it. A Belgian woman recently emailed remarking about a noticeable difference in my on-camera delivery. As a fan of So You Think You Can Dance for long time, she has seen me judge many shows and sometimes repeat certain points I’ve made over the years. She rightfully pointed out how I always spoke from my head, not my heart, but can now see in my eyes how it’s changed. Well, she’s spot on!
A few weeks from being 50 and I’m happy, healthy, living, and loving what I do more than ever! Producing and judging competition reality tv shows is a blessing and a blast! Helping artists realize and chase dreams is an added bonus. I also love to write. After the book published about my life and addiction recovery, I began writing to help right some wrongs. Setting the record straight is another added bonus (see my articles on Michael Jackson’s accusers). And starting with this article, I’m documenting the exploration of my longevity and legacy — THE NEXT 50! The bumpy road of life will continue I’m sure. I just hope my kids, and many others, witness me loving what I’m doing and apply it to themselves in their future endeavors.
