For all of our lives, Matt thought the essence of a good son, father, and husband hinged on finding and keeping a good job. That steady income was the most important thing, imparted on him by two parents who struggled financially but were happy.

For over 20 years, he worked at some amazing places and saw the world. He was a top performer, at the height of his game. He knew how to be successful. “Klasnick, we need you to fly to New York and do a presentation Friday and Saturday!"  was always followed up with, “No problem, boss!” Honestly? He was scared to say no. But the constant readiness to go anywhere at any time began to wear on him and affect our family.

We knew there had to be more… more than a big paycheck and a job that left Matt physically and emotionally drained. The result of seeking more? A recalculation that came with quitting that coveted job, with the big title, for the purpose of growing as a family. It was hard. Brutally hard. We worried while making the decision and even after. We’d built so much of our lives around steady paychecks and financial security so deciding to reroute was terrifying. Like a punch to the gut. 

When I think back on the decision we made, I remember the defining moment we had as a family while traveling with Matt for work. For years I poked fun at Matt every time he had to take a business trip to Hawaii while packing his suitcase with an Aloha Shirt, a pair of slacks, and a swimsuit. “Must be a rough week,” I joked. But this time we were right beside him—me, the boys and every swimsuit we owned.

We were climbing up the BlackRock cliff in Kapalua, Maui that day. Ironically, BlackRock was the same name as Matt’s firm. My six-year-old’s little legs were shaking in front of me overlooking the 20’ jump he was about to take into the turquoise water below. I was nervous for him. His big brothers had already taken the leap. I took his hand and we stood at the edge together. And do you know how sometimes just the right person shows up at just the right time? A sweet woman came up behind us and told us she had jumped off this cliff many times before. 

“Just close your eyes and jump,” she said to us.

So he did. Without a second thought. The stall in the air before he hit the water took my breath away. I went next without hesitation. 

This was the key. Just close your eyes and jump into whatever is coming next. Don’t hesitate. Don’t focus on the fear. Overcome the fear because yes, there will be fear.

Just close your eyes and jump, I repeated to myself as Matt put in his two week notice at BlackRock. He had jumped. We had jumped. We were all ready for a change. 

The next leap would be bigger than we could even imagine…....

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