"Quand j'étais enfant, à quatre ans, c'est là que j'ai commencé la lutte amateur avec mon père et ma famille. Et quand cela vous est inculqué, cela ne disparaît jamais."

When you're just a little kid, the things you learn and experience stick with you in ways you might not even realize. For instance, let’s talk about someone who started wrestling at age four with their dad and family. It's not just about wrestling, of course. It's about how those early experiences shape who you are and what you carry with you throughout your life.

Imagine this kid, barely out of diapers, grappling on a mat with family members. At that age, it's as much about fun and playing as it is about learning technique. But here's the thing—when you start something that young, it becomes a part of you. It's not just a skill you've learned; it's a lens through which you see the world.

Historically, family traditions and early training have always played a crucial role in shaping individuals. Think of ancient warriors or musicians. Kids growing up in those environments often followed in their parents' footsteps almost naturally. It’s like an ancient lineage of mastery being passed down.

So, let's dive into a real-life example. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson comes to mind. He wasn't just a wrestling superstar by chance. From a very young age, he was exposed to wrestling by his father, Rocky Johnson, who was also a professional wrestler. This early introduction instilled a deep familiarity with the sport. The Rock didn't just wake up one day and decide to enter the ring—it was in his blood, a part of his identity formed during those early, formative years.

Now, how do we apply this in our own lives? Start with your passions early, and if you have kids, involve them in activities that mean a lot to you. It’s not about pushing them to be champions; it’s about sharing a piece of yourself, something that gives them a foundation to build on. Whether it's sports, music, cooking, or even storytelling—it’s the early and consistent exposure that can create a lasting impact.

Alright, let’s paint you a picture. Imagine a father who loves cooking. Every Sunday, he invites his five-year-old to help out in the kitchen. It's messy—flour everywhere, eggshells in the batter—but it's also a bonding experience. The child learns the basics of cooking, sure, but also gets a sense of sharing, love, and togetherness that comes with preparing a meal for the family. Fast forward twenty years, and that five-year-old is now a young adult who finds solace in cooking, perhaps even using it as a career or simply as a way to unwind and connect with others.

So, remember this: when you start something foundational early in life, it becomes more than just a skill. It becomes a part of who you are. And if you're in a position to share something like that—whether it's with your children, nieces and nephews, or even a young mentee—know that you're giving them more than just knowledge. You're giving them a piece of your heart, and that's something that truly never goes away.

We don't always realize the little moments that shape us, but looking back, they're often the most significant. It's those times of genuine connection, learning, and shared passion that stay with us forever. Imagine sitting in a coffee shop years from now, telling a friend about how you got your start in something you love. You'll realize that those early days weren't just practice—they were the foundation of your journey, the roots that keep you grounded and continue to nourish your growth.