"My NFL Draft Road Trip: Reflections, Lessons, and New Beginnings"

Entry #156 The Pick is In

After a whirlwind few days, I finally made it back home from my road trip this evening—and let me tell you, I am absolutely beat. While it wasn't a long vacation, it was still my first real break in a very long time. You'd think I would return home well-rested, but instead, I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation! Still, the experience was well worth it, and I'm grateful for the memories, the lessons, and even the challenges.

Planning Ahead: My Unexpected Favorite Purchase

Earlier this year, when I knew the trip was happening, I decided it was time to invest in some better travel gear. Instead of a traditional weekender bag, I picked up two convertible bags from Fabletics. At the time, I wasn’t sure how practical they would be, but now that I'm back, I can confidently say: they were some of the best purchases I’ve made recently.

Not only do the bags look sleek and stylish, but they also hold a lot more than I expected. Even though I brought two, I ended up only needing one—saving precious room in the car for the road trip essentials. It’s always a great feeling when something you buy turns out to be even better than expected.

Hitting the Road: Journey to the NFL Draft

This trip wasn’t about fancy resorts or luxurious getaways—it was about something I've always wanted to do: attend the NFL Draft. It was a simple dream, but sometimes the most meaningful trips are the ones that connect to our passions.

The drive to the draft city was surprisingly smooth, and we even arrived earlier than planned. Luck was on our side as we managed an early hotel check-in, allowing us to drop off our bags before heading toward the stadium. Parking was a breeze too; we scored a spot close to the stadium, which felt like a small victory considering how packed these events can get.

Experiencing the Draft: Weathering the Elements

The draft experience itself was a mixed bag—literally! The first day was cold, the second day was rainy and colder, but by the third day, the sun finally made an appearance. Despite the unpredictable weather, it didn’t dampen the excitement. Beyond the main event, we explored the city, tried new restaurants, did some sightseeing, and met some incredible people along the way.

Although I've attended two drafts before, this was my first time traveling specifically for the event—and it made the experience even more memorable. It was another reminder that stepping out of your usual routine, even for a few days, can create lasting memories.

Back to Reality: Preparing for the Next Challenge

You might think that once I got home, I could finally relax and unwind. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I have a show to prepare for tomorrow, and the clock is ticking. There’s still a lot of work to do, and not nearly enough time to do it.

I arrived home later than I wanted to, leaving me scrambling to set up before the venue locked up for the night. I'll need to bring even more items tomorrow to make sure the show is a success. It's stressful, but also exciting—another opportunity to grow, learn, and push myself outside my comfort zone.

Growth Takes Time: Staying Committed to the Journey

Trying to become a better, more well-rounded person—whether it’s financially, professionally, or personally—is taking longer than I expected. Every positive step forward feels harder and harder, but that only means I'm moving closer to where I want to be.

Growth isn't supposed to be easy. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and exhausting at times. But every challenge I face, whether it’s packing for a trip, navigating a busy draft weekend, or hustling to prepare for a show, is part of the bigger picture. I’m learning to embrace the struggle because I know it’s shaping me into the person I want to become.

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Final Thoughts

This road trip was more than just a getaway—it was a reminder that every small experience contributes to a bigger journey. Whether it’s an NFL draft, a random bag purchase, or a last-minute scramble for a show, all of it adds up. I'm learning to celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and keep pushing forward, even when it feels hard. Here's to chasing dreams, embracing growth, and taking the road less traveled—rain, cold, and all.