Moving Forward

I recently saw at YouTube shorts Andrew Gardfield’s saying something in an interview

https://youtube.com/shorts/lB24M26DnEU?si=dfyVrh5TQ03yJV9f

“I’m 40 years old and I know myself now. If you love me, love me. If you don’t love me, it’s your loss.” It sounds simple. But there’s a lifetime behind that sentence.

By this point, you know: What drains you, nourishes you. Which silences are heavy, which connections make you grow. And most importantly, you stop trying to explain yourself.

I have realized that when you’re younger, you explain everything: “I’m actually like this.”, “Let me tell you why I did that.”, “Just give me some time.” or etc

Now, it becomes much simpler: This is who I am. Take it or leave it. Not less. Not more.

Some people live life on a single straight line. Others find themselves standing in two emotional worlds at once. On one side: history, responsibility, structure, familiarity. On the other: desire, connection, possibility, a different version of yourself.

That space teaches you something important: Life isn’t black and white. Neither the people.

Sometimes you look strong but feel exhausted inside. Sometimes you do the “right” thing but don’t feel fulfilled. Sometimes you see where your heart wants to go — and responsibility pulls you back.This is where real maturity begins.

Not blaming anyone. Not deceiving anyone. Not lying to yourself.

“Love me if you do. If you don’t — you don’t have to stay. “ There’s no arrogance in that. No bitterness. Just clarity.

If you love me, come. If you don’t, you’re free to go —just don’t try to reshape me!

Because by forty, you learn this: If you abandon yourself to be loved, no one truly ends up loving you.

It’s the same in work. In friendships. In dreams.

You stop accepting “good enough.” You stop saying yes to things that don’t resonate. You’ve learned the value of time. And your heart has learned it too.

I no longer feel the need to justify who I am.

I no longer try to fit into expectations.

I no longer shrink to make space for others.

I’m here. As I am.

If you love me, love me. If you don’t , that’s okay.

Because at this stage of life, you realize something profound: Being alone isn’t what’s scary. Staying in the wrong place is.

A new year doesn’t mean a new me. It means a clearer me. New goals, new challenges, new races. Less comfort, more discipline, more movement.

I don’t chase motivation anymore — I build consistency. This year is about showing up. Training when it’s hard. Running when it’s cold. Swimming when I’m tired. Choosing growth over ease.

That’s why races like Spartan Race resonate with me.

Not because of medals. Because of mindset. You carry your weight. You climb your own walls. You finish what you start. No shortcuts. Just effort. So here’s to the new year:

Stronger body.

Clearer mind.

Braver heart.

And whatever life throws at me — I meet it head-on.