Every year, like clockwork, this article comes around – and every year, I find myself asking, “How did it get here so fast?”
Great at 8
Eight years ago, I became a proud father. And eight years ago, in my guise as Westfair wellness contributor, I started what has become an annual article for the Westchester County Business Journal and Fairfield County Business Journal, chronicling my journey through fatherhood. While the clock ticks at the same pace for all of us, nothing accelerates time quite like watching your child grow. One minute, you’re holding a newborn in your arms, and the next, you’re pacing the edge of a ninja obstacle course, trying not to look more nervous than she does.
This year brought a truly memorable milestone — my daughter Juliet received her First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful, sacred moment. Watching her walk down the aisle in her white dress, full of grace and confidence, reminded me how blessed I truly am. This also gave me a glimpse into the feeling I surely will get one day seeing her in a beautiful white dress walking down another aisle.
My warrior princess
But as meaningful as the big moments are, it’s often the little things that leave the deepest imprint – the in-between stuff, the kind of moments you don’t plan for but that stay with you forever.
For Juliet and me, a lot of those happen on the padded floors of ninja gyms, where she trains for “American Ninja Warrior”-style competitions. She’s been training hard and has started participating in competitions across the country. Let me tell you: These kids aren’t just playing. They’re climbing ropes, swinging across rings, launching themselves over obstacles and doing it all with focus and grit.
Thumbs up
We have a small tradition. If she takes a hard fall – and with ninja training, there are plenty – she’ll look up at me and flash a thumbs-up. That’s all it takes. It’s her way of saying, “I’m good, Dad, still in the fight,” and “Don’t worry Dad. I’m OK.” And every time, that little thumbs-up hits me harder than anything I ever felt in a wrestling ring. It’s simple, but it’s everything.
These are the quiet, unscripted moments that define fatherhood. They teach you that presence matters more than perfection, and that love is often expressed in gestures far smaller than words.
Still “Dad Bod”-less
I’m happy to report that another year down and another year of defeating the dubious dad bod.
The “Dad Bod” isn’t just a meme. It’s real – and for many, it’s a slow creep. But I’ve come to believe that staying fit as a dad isn’t just about how you look. It’s about being able to play, to train, to show up with full energy – whether you’re climbing ninja obstacles with your child or just getting through a long day without feeling wiped out.
Always proud
I tell my daughter every day how proud I am of her. And I tell her every day how proud I am to be her daddy, because I truly am. She is the light of my life, and I don’t take a single moment with her for granted.
She teaches me something new every day – about resilience, about courage, about how to bounce back after a fall — and still throw a thumbs-up while doing it.
In wrestling, we talk a lot about grit, about heart, about getting back up. Fatherhood is all of that and more. It’s training for a match you are never fully prepared for – and yet, it’s the most rewarding one you’ll ever be in.
So here’s to another year – of ninja competitions and sacraments, of gym sessions and nighttime cuddles, of big proud moments and small quiet ones that hit even harder. And here’s to every dad out there doing his best to show up, stay strong and love fully.
I’m going to keep training, keep showing up and keep earning those thumbs-ups — winning where it matters most.
Reach Giovanni on Instagram @GiovanniRoselli and on his website, GiovanniRoselli.com.
