Columnists / Jake Heenan
‘Becoming parents has given us a reinvigorated sense of purpose and perspective’
The safe arrival this week of our first child, Max, has marked one of the most special moments in my life.
As always, I’m in awe of my wife Adele and incredibly grateful to the staff at St Michael’s Hospital who were fantastic.
While juggling a professional rugby schedule and operating a hospitality business keeps us on our toes, becoming parents has given us a reinvigorated sense of purpose and perspective.
is needed now More than ever
Yet, whether it’s fatherhood, sport or business, I am struck by the common thread that runs through them all: the challenge of being my best.
Too often in life, we hold back on one aspect only to worry about another.
Bristol Bears director of rugby, Pat Lam, describes this best when he talks about committing fully.
If you’re at work, be 100 per cent on task, then when you’re at home, be 100 per cent with your family. It doesn’t have to be 50 per cent here and 50 per cent there.
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When it comes to being a dad, I don’t have all the answers. Or any for that matter!
But I’ll stick to the same script that has helped me throughout so many facets of my life and career: try my best, stay curious and embrace failure as a chance to learn.
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We’re looking forward to the final game of the season at Ashton Gate on May 6.
Gloucester are in town and, while it’s not been the season we would have all hoped, the carrot of Champions Cup rugby is still the objective, so there’s everything to play for.
With a bumper crowd coming along and the Wurzels performing live after the game, it should be an awesome way to kick off the bank holiday.
Jake Heenan with fans at Ashton Gate – photo: JMP
Meanwhile, it’s been a busy few weeks at Burra.
As well as celebrating our Horfield cafe’s first birthday, hosting a latte art competition, a live gig and a corporate networking event, we’ve launched two sell-out dining experiences with a menu crafted by our head chef Toru Yanada.
Don’t forget to check out the Bank Holiday Street Party on May 29 too, as all of the indies on Lower Redland Road come together to celebrate with live music, barbecues and children’s entertainment.
Finally, a big thank you to all of the Bristol24/7 readers for your kindness throughout the year. We’re blown away by the support and warm wishes.
Being surrounded by so many good people in a community as inclusive as Bristol certainly makes all the difference.
Main photo: Jake Heenan
Bristol24/7 columnist Jake Heenan has recently signed a contract extension at Bristol Bears. He is also the co-owner of Burra, which has cafes on Lower Redland Road and Gloucester Road.
Read more columns by Jake Heenan
- ‘Bristol truly feels like home to me’
- ‘The last two years have transformed my perspective on life and business’
- ‘Here’s to good food and warm hospitality’
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