Acknowledgments

I spent close to two years as a personal trainer, and I have spent over twelve as an educator. The only times I have ever witnessed authentic change is when the client or student was willing to leave the past behind, but not to escape from it, rather to learn from it. Those who were able to maintain the trajectory were the ones who made the change for themselves, not for anyone else. It is my sincerest hope that Greg’s transformation is as authentic as those I have had the privilege to see.

I am fortunate to have such amazing professionals to work with, people who watch my own transformation and cheer. My agent, Kate McKean, is as staunch an advocate for my writing as any author could hope for. She, again, provided me with her incredible insight on Press Play, and can claim a win for selecting the title. Thank you, Kate, for all your diligence, patience, and guidance.

This is the third project of mine Lisa Cheng has edited, and her vision, as always, was superb. She manages to see both the forest and the trees and helped me navigate with deft suggestions and spot-on questions. Thank you, Lisa, for your steadfast belief in all that I am capable of.

Carrie, my wife. You alone are witness to my personal growth. And you alone have always been the catalyst. Thank you for your unwavering love and support.

My daughters, Grace and Kaygan. I am anxious for you to read my books, but not just yet. I don’t want you to grow up too fast, because I love you both, just how you are.

To my family, who is so often in the dark until they get a final copy, my constant thanks for understanding that these stories are so worth the wait.

Mark Ayotte. This has been one transformative year for you, and you have weathered the storm with such strength. Thank you for finding the time to read my work, while your own story has been so tumultuous.

To my friends, who enjoy this crazy road I’m on, but who would still be there for me if I weren’t, thank you for accepting who I am.

And thanks to my fellow authors and booksellers and bloggers and everyone else in this community. All of life is a story. Thank you for helping to foster mine.