I Quit IBM, Got Trashed at BJJ, and Started Over at 46

At almost :) 50 years old, I’m trading the "IBM Futurist" title for a BJJ gi and a motorcycle in rural Croatia. I tried to outrun the man in the mirror twice. It didn't work. This is the raw record of what it looks like to rebuild a life from the ashes of long COVID, divorce, and grief.

The Story
I left the UK during the height of the pandemic, drove across Europe, and landed in rural Croatia. But you can't move away from yourself.

The Physical Wall: Long COVID left me bedridden for 16 hours after a simple walk.

The Personal Hit: I lost my mother, went through a divorce, and realized I was drinking too much to cope.

The Anchor: Through the hell, Jiu-Jitsu and Tai Chi held the line.

Last week, I went to an "Open Mat." I got trashed. I had to tap at 4 minutes. I went home depressed. But then I looked in the mirror. I’m not quitting. I’m 50, and I’m going for my purple belt.

What This Channel Is (And Isn't)
There are enough "gurus" on the internet. This isn't that. There are no "hacks" or polished life-coaching here. This is a weekly record of:

The Mat: Training MMA and BJJ at 50—the reality of the grind when your body wants to quit.

The Work: Building the Monday Influencer project and having conversations that actually matter.

The Reset: What happens when you stop avoiding your life and finally face it.

New videos every Thursday. Under 10 minutes. Real talk.

Join the Conversation
What are you currently avoiding? A conversation? A health goal? A career change? Tell me in the comments. We face it together.