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Comparison is a Thief
It’s been a bit since I’ve written anything here. Life has been full, and my time has been spent in other places; teaching, coaching, parenting, navigating the everyday swirl of schedules and responsibilities. And honestly, I haven’t always known what to talk about. I’ve opened this page more times than I can count, typed a few sentences, and closed it again. Not because I didn’t have anything to say, but because I wasn’t sure how to say what’s been sitting with me. Lately,
Braden Verge
Nov 212 min read
When Life Throws You A Curveball
Back in late April, life changed for our family in a way we never expected. After months of trying to figure out why his white blood cell...
Braden Verge
Jul 273 min read


Middle School, Fatherhood, and the Kind of Strong I Hope She Becomes
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a good dad to a middle schooler — more specifically, to my daughter. Watching...
Braden Verge
Apr 152 min read


Lessons from the Mat
I started training Jiu Jitsu when a friend—who also happens to be a black belt—reached out to me during a tough stretch in my life,...
Braden Verge
Apr 123 min read


In the Quiet: What Archery Is Teaching Me About Growth
Watching my son take up archery has taught me more than I ever expected. At first, it was just another activity. Another sport to try....
Braden Verge
Apr 62 min read
Gratitude Through Loss
Recently, I’ve been surrounded by a lot of loss. A neighbor of ours, a kind and familiar presence in our community, suddenly passed away...
Braden Verge
Mar 292 min read


Five Years from Now, I’ll Thank Myself
I had to step on a scale today at the doctor’s office. As the numbers settled, a wave of disappointment started to creep in. It wasn’t...
Braden Verge
Mar 32 min read


Movement is Movement: Make It Fun Like Kids Do
As I’ve gotten older, my perspective on movement has changed. I used to think of exercise as something I had to do—lifting weights,...
Braden Verge
Feb 272 min read


The Journey Is the Reward
I used to think that the wins and losses defined me as a person, shaping my identity and dictating my self-worth. Each victory was...
Braden Verge
Feb 243 min read


Life at This Moment: Movement, Growth, and Passion
Life right now is an exciting whirlwind. My kids are diving deep into their activities—school, sports, and all the little adventures that...
Braden Verge
Feb 22 min read


New Year Intentions
As the new year begins, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and envisioning the future. It’s a time when setting goals often...
Braden Verge
Dec 31, 20242 min read


Finding Balance in Nature: How Unplugging Prepared Us for a New School Year
It’s been a while since my last post. My family and I have been adjusting to new routines—me returning to my role as a Physical Education...
Braden Verge
Sep 14, 20242 min read


A Heartfelt Journey
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and sometimes, the path we envision for ourselves takes unexpected turns. For...
Braden Verge
Aug 1, 20243 min read


Show Up: A Life Lesson from Coach Keith Bugbee
In life, few principles resonate as deeply as the simple yet profound idea of "showing up." This concept was crystallized by Springfield...
Braden Verge
Jul 15, 20243 min read


Preserving Childhood: Why We Delay Smartphone Use for Our Kids
Recently, my wife and I had a profound discussion with our neighbors about the importance of keeping our kids away from smartphones and...
Braden Verge
Jul 9, 20246 min read


The Silent Struggle: Parenting with Anxiety and Depression
There was a time when I was the go-with-the-flow, relaxed, outgoing, life-of-the-party kind of guy. Even when I first became a parent, I maintained an optimistic outlook, believing everything would work out just fine. However, about five years into parenthood, I experienced a traumatic event that shook me to my core. I won’t delve into the details, but it fundamentally altered my perception of the world. What once seemed bright and safe now appeared dark and threatening. Anxi
Braden Verge
Jul 5, 20243 min read


Growing Together: The Advantages of Close-Knit Siblings
My kids, who love doing activities and sports together, exemplify this beautiful connection. They have a strong bond and don't like being...
Braden Verge
Jul 2, 20243 min read


From Belts to Life Lessons: Our Family’s Martial Arts Journey
As a parent and an athlete, nothing brings me more joy than seeing my kids embrace activities that promote their physical and mental...
Braden Verge
Jun 27, 20242 min read


Thriving During Summer: A Stay-at-Home Dad’s Guide to Parenting Five Kids
Summer is here, and for many parents, it's a time of mixed emotions. As a stay-at-home dad to five wonderful kids, I find the summer...
Braden Verge
Jun 25, 20243 min read


Finding Your Tribe: The Power of Family Connections
In the journey of life, one of the most fulfilling experiences is finding your tribe—the group of families with whom you connect, share,...
Braden Verge
Jun 22, 20242 min read
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