Dear 22 Year Old Me...

I often wish I could go back in time to re-live certain experiences, moments and timelines in my life. I think there's a unique magic that exists in each stage of life...how cool would it be to blend that magic from the various era's of our life? The curiosity and authenticity of childhood, combined with the energy and care-free nature of our teenage years, along with the wisdom and introspection of our adult years....that would be one hell of an era.

I saw a question posted from a good friend mine one morning as I scrolled through the Instagram that had me thinking. It was something along the lines of "if you could call the YOU from 10 years ago, what would you say to them"? I think a lot of times when we think of this kind of question, we immediately go to the advice we'd give our former selves. While that's certainly part of the conversation, my mind went more to what I appreciated about that version of me. If I were to give 22 year old Kemper a quick phone call, here's what I might say.

"Kemp,

First and foremost, keep growing your hair out man as it's truly going to be the bedrock of your success! Seriously though, as I look at who I am now vs. when I was at your stage, there's so much I'm grateful for. I'm proud of the journey we had, the relationships we've cultivated, the people we've impacted and so much more.

What I appreciate most about you is the energy you emitted. I remember at 22, it was like nothing was impossible. You're just beginning your career and journey towards self mastery. I think stumbling upon Bedros Keullian and Grant Cardone during that time was the gasoline that added to your already bright fire...I still listen to those guys today =). You were determined, had large visions and always asked the question "how can I" vs. submitting to "I can't". At the same time, you lacked skills, education and a strong network relative to me now...but that was the beauty. Your hunger to learn and connect was childlike. You didn't have fear or you seemed to have accepted it more gracefully. This childlike energy that was still ever-present in you was your superpower. It not only fueled your journey, but endeared others towards you along the way. I wish I had a bottle of that concentrated energy today during some of life's challenges.

For as energetic and childlike as you are, you also have large goals. Right now at 22, you're incredibly clear that you want to own a fitness studio. You're a ways from that as you're currently using cinderblocks and sandbags in Mom & Pop's garage, but you're embracing the journey...loving the process. Spoiler alert, it actually happens when you get to 30...stay patient. I think this clear and dedicated vision kept you healthy on many levels. You may or may not realize this, but most young 20 year olds are actually struggling with their health, more so mentally and spiritually. Gratefully, you're not experiencing those burdens. I believe a great deal of this is due to the fact that you are in lockstep with your purpose & passion...a rare find for 22 year olds. I'm so grateful that you're on this path as I can certainly say, it's saved you a lot hardship most people face.

You're a lover of people man (still are today). I feel like you express more freely than I do these days...gotta be careful as once you're past 30, hugging everyone can seem a bit odd relative to where you are now. With that said, we're still rocking the love train. What I appreciate about you was the unfiltered nature in which you love people. It's so energizing, as you know, to be in a room of people you're intimately connected with in it's own unique/personalized way. You have many more years of that unfiltered, innocent love ahead of you...and it's the absolute best.

Let me get you up to speed on what you have to look forward to. Like I said earlier, you get your gym and it's awesome. I know right now you feel like it's the ultimate goal and once it happens, life is complete...not even close dude. You're a forever builder and cultivator. You'll never be fully satisfied when achieving the next goal, which is a great quality, we just need to temper it with being grateful for the present moment and what we do have. So, while we have the gym thing going, you also have an incredible spouse, who's endured so much with you. I think that childlike energy I mentioned earlier was the trigger to get into her heart. The best thing that I can't even describe, is how you're going to feel when you meet your daughter. Emotionally charged guys like us...man, it's almost painful how much you love her. She's a trip and puts the fulfillment ceiling on another level.

To wrap this up and not give too much away, life does get better...more challenging for sure...but better. Keep bringing the love driven energy into it as it makes things so much more meaningful. Thinking of you reminds me to do more of that...it's easy to lose when responsibility creeps up.

Your crushing it man. Keep doing what you're doing. Ask for help, continue to love people, and keep the passion burning white-hot.

See you soon."