Sometimes you need to get away from the noise to hear yourself think.
I’m writing this after a few days away in Brisbane. Away from work and the normal routines, with some intentional space to slow down, sit, think and reflect.
One of the real highlights was spending time with my great Aussie mate, Vic Williams.
Vic and I first crossed paths through cricket back in 2011, through a connection with Queensland Cricket. Fifteen years later, there we were talking about a lifetime spent contributing to a sport we both love.
The people we’ve met.
The relationships we’ve built.
What we’ve learned.
And what we still have to give.
It filled my cup.
Thanks, mate.
And sitting quietly afterwards, one thought kept coming back to me:
There’s still a job to do.
Sport has been an extraordinary vehicle throughout my life.
It has given me opportunities. Taken me places. Introduced me to wonderful people. Created lifelong friendships.
It has challenged me too.
As a player. A coach. A sport provider. A parent. And simply as a person.
I’m still learning.
I’ve made mistakes, changed my thinking, reflected and hopefully grown because of it.
Parenting has certainly taught me that.
The more I learn, the more I understand how unique each of our journeys really is. We all bring our own upbringing, experiences, hopes and expectations into how we see the world and support those around us.
There isn’t one perfect way.
But there is always an opportunity to become more aware, to reflect and to grow.
Maybe that’s what keeps me curious.
And perhaps everything that has come before has helped prepare me for what I’m doing now — supporting organisations, coaches, parents and families to navigate sport in a healthy and positive way.
Not because I have all the answers, but because I’ve come to believe in the power of better questions — helping all of us reflect, become more self-aware and understand ourselves a little better.
This time away has reminded me how fortunate I’ve been — and how much opportunity still lies ahead.
People to meet.
Connections to make.
Things to learn.
Ways to contribute.
And that’s exciting.
Maybe that’s one of the gifts of occasionally getting away from the noise.
You come back hearing a little more clearly what is most important.
So, here’s the question I’ve been sitting with:
When the noise in your own life goes quiet, what do you hear that really matters?
Craig Ross
Founder | Brave & Beyond
Making the moments that matter count — one family at a time.