Why We Choose Challenge

When was the last time you did something that really pushed you—physically, emotionally, or even just mentally?

The kind of challenge that felt tough in the moment but left you standing a little taller, with just a bit more confidence?

We’ve made it a point to step into challenge when we can—and, with a little nudging, we’ve encouraged our kids to do the same. Not every attempt has been graceful (or even successful). There’s been slow starts, complaints, and a few epic emotional meltdowns.

But those are the stories we look back on and laugh hard about. And we like to think that somewhere in all of it, those moments offered something meaningful to our kids too.

Some of our most unforgettable experiences are etched into who we are. The hard stuff has shaped us in ways we didn’t expect. They remind us what we’re capable of—as individuals, as partners, and as a family. They’ve stretched us, challenged us, and shown us (again and again) that most growth begins in the messy middle of hard things.

And the science is with us on this one. Research shows that stepping outside your comfort zone—especially through physical or emotional challenge—can boost resilience, improve mental health, and even rewire your brain in good ways. Psychologists call it eustress—the kind of positive stress that pushes us just enough to grow. It builds grit. It builds confidence. It reminds us that discomfort often leads to something meaningful.

We’ve seen it in our own lives—in the messy, imperfect moments that ended up teaching us the most. That’s why we keep choosing challenge—not because we’re always good at it, but because we know how much it matters.

So here’s our challenge to you: pick something hard. Maybe it’s an adventure. Maybe it’s plunging into freezing cold water. Maybe it’s a tough conversation, a new habit, or a goal that scares you a little.

Whatever your version of hard is—choose it. Then take one small step toward it. Write it down. Say it out loud. Talk it through with someone you trust. Identify what’s getting in the way—fear, doubt, old patterns—and give yourself permission to work through it, imperfectly. You might surprise yourself with what you're capable of and what you learn in the process.

-Ryan & Kristin