When I was a kid and we had a family trip coming up — camping, road trip, whatever — my parents would get us up at three in the morning to hit the road. Everything was already packed. The car was loaded. And there was just something about being up before the rest of the world, all prepared, ready to go — it felt special. Like the day was already yours before anyone else even opened their eyes.
Joe — my German shepherd mix — gives me that every morning. He wakes up absolutely certain that being fed and alive is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to him. Every single day.
Frank, my beagle Jack Russell mix, is the opposite. He’s just as passionate about going to bed. He literally sprints to the bedroom. Always trying to get us to turn in earlier because he just loves the cuddle situation — me, him, and Joe all in. One dog who can’t wait to start the day. One dog who can’t wait to end it. It’s a good fit. A lot of joy in that house.
— my morning newsletter goes out at 5am. And I wake up kind of peeking at my phone like, who’s it gonna resonate with today? What are people going to respond to? It’s my shout into the void. And I love it. That’s a joy I create for myself every single day.
This Saturday and Sunday I’m getting up early to watch qualifying for Monaco. Something about Formula 1 in the principate just does it for me — I love tracking that. I’m also deep in UK sports recruiting right now, following football and basketball with way too much enthusiasm. And I have to say — I am very excited about the Will Stein era at the University of Kentucky. I think we’re going to be playoff bound in no time. Don’t @ me. And every Wednesday I’m eagerly waiting for the next episode of Widow’s Bay to drop. I’ve got plenty of things to be excited about.
And I keep thinking — are you putting things in your life that make you wake up like that?
Not just the big stuff. The daily stuff. The things you look forward to. I think the people who wake up genuinely excited about their day are the ones who feel aligned — like what they’re doing actually connects to who they are.
And I feel for the people who don’t have that. At least not right now.
So — what’s missing? Is there a group you’ve been putting off because it feels a little scary to put yourself out there? Maybe you’ve been thinking about starting a band. Reconnecting with old friends. Joining a book club or a writing club. Trying out for a local production. Joining the volunteer fire department. Starting to bird watch. Growing a bonsai tree. Maybe even growing some weed. Picking up woodworking. Whatever obscure niche thing you’ve always been quietly drawn to — now is the time to double down on it. Life is short. It’s a real shame to go through it without finding your tribe.
If something is missing — go find it. Post on your local subreddit. Say you’re looking to connect with like-minded people. Highlight events you’re interested in on your socials and see if anyone wants to catch your wave. You’d be surprised who’s out there waiting for someone to make the first move.
A lot of the realtors who joined Winner Realty talk about that same feeling — being part of something that gives them a little extra in the morning. One percent of net profits at Winner Realty goes to Hand in Hand, and a lot of our agents match that one percent out of their own business too. Giving is baked in. So when they work hard, they know it’s benefiting families who need homes. When conviction runs low, that connection gives them the oomph to get things done. That matters more than people realize.
The Moth Story Slam was this week at Headliners. If you’ve never been — it’s people getting up on stage and telling true stories. Maybe it’s time to throw your name in the hat. Tell your story.
Put yourself out there. Attract your tribe. Plug in more deeply. And by doing it — you might just give someone else the permission to do the same.
Warmly,
Rob Bergeron
Owner–Realtor at Award-Winning Winner Realty