The Year That Wasn’t My Plan — But Was God’s Plan

At the start of this year, I turned 23 years old, and life looked like something out of a dream. I was living the life I always wanted — working in NASCAR, in the Cup Series, on a pit crew, making over six figures before most people my age had even figured out what they wanted to do. Fresh out of college, I didn’t have a single worry about finances or the future. Money was flowing, and so was my confidence.

I was dating a beautiful girl who lived in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina, attending Appalachian State. Every weekend I was there — exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, eating out at our favorite spots, having drinks, laughing, and just living. My work schedule barely touched me. Nine hours a week, Monday through Friday, and then I was flying on a private jet every Sunday to whatever race was next. My life was so perfect it felt like it had been drawn up on paper by a master architect.

I could buy anything I wanted without looking at the price tag — and, in my immaturity, I did. I had everything I thought I wanted, but that comfort was the beginning of my downfall.

When Comfort Turns Cold

The moment I told myself I was comfortable, I started to slip. I stopped praying as much. I stopped training as hard. I relaxed because I thought I’d “made it.” My motivation tank was empty, and I didn’t even notice.

Then, one day, everything changed. I got the call — I was being demoted and taken off my car. Just like that, the job that had defined my success was gone.

The very next day, my girlfriend broke up with me.

It was as if my whole identity was stripped away overnight. I spiraled. I sat on my couch for days at a time, barely moving, sleeping just to escape being awake.

Beaufort — A Pause in the Storm

That same weekend, I decided to make a trip to Beaufort, South Carolina, to see one of my best friends, Lauren — someone who’s also been a big part of my social media work. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that trip saved me.

Lauren didn’t try to “fix” me. She just slowed down life’s pace for me. She took the wheel — literally and figuratively — and let me step back from the chaos in my mind. That weekend gave me my first glimpse of peace in a season that felt like it was swallowing me whole.

The Wrong Ways of Filling a Void

But when I got back, instead of truly healing, I went into “dating mode,” talking to multiple girls in Charlotte, trying to fill the emptiness I felt. At first, it was a distraction. But soon I realized it wasn’t helping — it was making me feel even lonelier.

No amount of attention from others could replace what I had lost inside myself.

Finding My Way Back

The real shift began when I went back to church. Even though I was still out of my dream job, the days started to feel a little lighter. I began spending more time with friends and family. I picked up new hobbies. I explored career paths I had never considered before.

I was still in the unknown, but I stopped fighting it so hard. I realized that the more I resisted, the deeper I sank. What I needed to do was accept the season I was in and trust that I wouldn’t be here forever.

Shaped by the Struggle

This year has been full of misfortune and loss — but it has shaped me into a better man. I’ve learned that sometimes we need to be broken down completely to see what we’re made of.

Sometimes, God has to strip things from us so we praise Him more. Sometimes, the dark days are what make the sunlight brighter.

I’ve learned to accept whatever comes my way because the obstacle is the way. I’ve learned never to get too comfortable, because comfort can make you weak. And I’ve learned that bringing your best self to every situation isn’t just a choice — it’s a responsibility.

Dangerous Faith

Once you fully accept Christ, once you stop obsessing over what’s next and instead become content with what’s in front of you, you become dangerous. And there is nothing on this earth that can stop a dangerous man of faith.

The journey of a thousand miles really does begin with a single step. This year has forced me to take that step — not on the road I planned, but on the road I was meant to walk.

So, no matter where you are, take your step today. The path may not be the one you drew up, but it just might be the one God designed for you all along.