Another Friday Night: A Tribute to Service and Sacrifice
Ah, Friday night. For most people, it’s the time to shake off the week, let loose, and enjoy the start of the weekend. It’s about unwinding, catching up with friends, and living for a few hours without a care in the world. But when I was 19, I wasn’t living that life. I was stuck in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, on my first deployment aboard the USS Kearsarge. While everyone else in the world was out there partying, meeting people, and making memories, I was away from home, standing watch, doing my job, and missing out on the fun.
If you’ve been enjoying these messages—if they’ve made you think, helped you lead, or simply reminded you of what matters—I have a small ask:
Share it.
Forward it to a friend. Post it. Mention it to someone who might need a little clarity, purpose, or encouragement in their life right now.
I’ve hit a bit of a plateau in subscribers and listeners, and I believe the only way this grows is if people like you pass it along. If this work means something to you, help me get it into more hands, hearts, and minds.
Thanks for being here. Truly. Let’s keep building this, together.
I’m not going to lie to you—I was resentful at times. There were definitely moments when I thought, Why me? Why was I out here, away from everything I had known, while everyone else was out there living their lives? Sure, I understood the bigger picture, the importance of the work we were doing. We were protecting our nation, and I was proud to be part of that mission. But let’s be real: missing out on the simple pleasures of life wasn’t easy. There were plenty of Friday nights where I thought, I wish I could be out there, just once, letting loose like everyone else.
But here’s the twist: over time, I learned to lean into the discomfort. I didn’t always love it, but the sacrifice became fuel. It gave me purpose, it gave me grit, and it pushed me to keep going. I wasn’t just putting in the time because it was “my job.” I was building something bigger—something that would last beyond the weekend, beyond the deployment, beyond the moment. That sacrifice, painful as it was at times, became the foundation for something great.
As I moved from the military into the world of business, that same mentality came with me. I still found myself working late when everyone else was off having fun. I missed weddings, birthdays, vacations, and yes—many more Friday nights. And honestly? It wasn’t always easy. There were times I resented the grind. But I kept going. The sacrifices I made in those quiet, lonely hours were what allowed me to build something meaningful. That discomfort wasn’t just something to endure—it was the fuel I needed to push past the easy route and do something that would create impact.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to realize something important: it wasn’t just about missing out. It was about choosing to do the hard things now, so that I could live with purpose later. Whether you’re in the military, grinding it out in a job that demands your nights, working as an entrepreneur, or even a parent staying up all night with a sick child, those sacrifices—though painful—are part of a bigger picture. And you know what? You don’t have to love it all the time. You can feel resentful. You can feel frustrated. But in the end, it’s that very sacrifice that shapes you, fuels you, and drives you to do something greater.
So here’s my message to all of you who are sacrificing right now, whatever your work might be. I see you. I know what it’s like to miss out, to wish you could be somewhere else. I know what it’s like to wonder if it’s worth it. And I’m here to tell you, it is. Those Friday nights that seem like a loss now? They’re the foundation for everything you’ll build tomorrow. The sacrifices you’re making today are the fuel that will propel you toward something greater. You’re not just putting in hours; you’re creating a legacy.
And if you’re reading this, and you’re not one of the people sacrificing tonight—if you’re out enjoying the weekend, having fun, or just chilling—this post is for you, too. Go ahead, live it up. Have the best Friday night of your life. Because right now, somewhere out there, there’s a 19-year-old Marine who wishes they could be where you are. There’s an entrepreneur working late, hoping their sacrifice will lead to something bigger. There’s a firefighter on call, ready to jump into action. There’s a parent pacing the floor with a newborn. These people would gladly trade places with you, even just for a few hours of freedom.
So, enjoy your night. Live it to the fullest. And when you do, remember that there’s someone out there sacrificing their time, their comfort, and their Friday nights to make sure the world keeps turning. They’re making the choice to build something bigger, even if it doesn’t feel glamorous. And to those who are in the trenches, doing the work while others are out living it up—I want to say thank you. Your sacrifice matters. I see you, and I’m grateful for what you’re doing.
Keep going. Even when it’s hard. Even when you feel resentful. Those moments are what will make all the difference. Because in the end, it’s the sacrifices you make now that will fuel your greatness tomorrow. And when it’s your turn to have a night off, you’ve earned it. Enjoy it to the fullest.
Whether you’re in uniform, building a business, raising a family, or just doing the hard work that no one sees—this episode is for you. I see you. I respect you. And I want you to know your sacrifice matters.
If you’re out enjoying life this Friday night, do it with joy. And if you’re the one holding the line while others rest, know this: your work is not in vain.
If this message resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t already, hit subscribe—we’ll keep showing up here every week with more real talk and reminders of what really matters.
Until next time—stay grounded, stay grateful, and keep showing up.
Share this post