It’s been difficult to bring myself to write this post, to find the right words to really express what I’m feeling or to fully understand what I’m feeling at all. The headline is, “Tori has moved to Paris.” In a very short time, I have had multiple conversations, many circling thoughts, and hours of packing, panicking, and packing again. And in this season of thankfulness, I can’t help but reminisce on everyone who has made such a huge impact on my career so far– from my family and friends to my high school and college coaches.

Post-collegiately, Andreas Pavlou is not only the man who coached me to 14.84m, but he is also the man who invested so much in me. He welcomed me into his home, helped me to purchase a car on my own for the first time, and ultimately became a friend to me. When I came to him in the 2017 season, I was selling Comcast in WalMart, then selling popcorn, and then was a grill cook, none of which was enough to facilitate a professional track career. I was on the verge of quitting and I know without a doubt I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. For him, I am so truly grateful.

I have made the choice to take a leap of faith to take my training to the next level. I want to be the absolute best that I can be. I am pursuing greatness. I am pursuing growth. I am pursuing a life lived boundlessly.

I am so grateful for my friends and family that sent me off this week. You all have no idea how much you mean to me and how much I truly love you.

During this transition, I received some negative feedback. It made me doubt my decision, it made me worry about what people thought of my decision, and think of all the “what if” scenarios. But a wise man told me, “Fuck em.”

So I leave the same message to you. Take risks. Be courageous. Ask the universe for what you want, and if it aligns, it will be. Pursue it passionately. And to the rest who don’t understand…..Fuck em.

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“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” Robert Kennedy

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“No one ever achieved greatness by playing it safe.” Harry Gray

 

With all the love I own.

Tori F. Baby

#livehappii #dreamchaser