I recently was asked how I define myself now that I’m no longer competing or pursuing the bmx athlete lifestyle 100% like I was in 2016 and prior. This was a simple yet tough one for me to accept and answer.
The truth is, I’ve learned that nothing other than my decision to define myself defines me. So often do we as a society get caught up in labels and how our work, school, religion, etc. defines us. when it’s just something we believe internally.
Lately I’ve been internally struggling with the passion to ride the best I can and accepting I have other passions and ventures that require my full attention and effort in order to succeed even better than I did with my bmx career. I thought BMX was what defined me but the only thing that defines me is my mind.
I have nothing but love and gratitude for all I’ve been able to accomplish and see in this world through the eyes of a BMX athlete.
That said, I still ride as much as I can and ride at the same level as when I was competing. Why? Because I love it. But, the cool thing is is that there is no pressure to perform at that level if I don’t feel it. My BMx career has also set up the many opportunities I have been presented these last two years and more to come as I continue to live the life I believe in.
-Josh P