To be honest, I wasn’t sure about Moore when I first met him. I wasn’t exactly into him. I didn’t give relationships much thought at the time because I was so focused on achieving my professional and personal objectives. Darcy Moore, however, exuded a presence that was larger than life. He was gregarious, self-assured, and undoubtedly had the kind of reputation that came before him. However, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to or how to fit him into my universe.
But what shocked me the most was how fast he disproved my preconceptions about him—and, to be honest, about myself. Beneath that self-assured façade was a very reflective person who valued connection over attention and listened as much as he talked. The barricades I had erected to keep myself from being distracted gradually began to feel less like barriers and more like things that were preventing me from experiencing anything real.
Moore had a talent for giving scenes a sense of life. His presence conveyed weight whether we were sitting quietly together or in a packed gathering. I started to see that his genuineness was more important to his magnetism than charm alone. He genuinely cared about me, but also about other people, life, and the duties he had as a team player and leader. It was hard not to be drawn to that level of authenticity, which is uncommon.
I also discovered that I was picking up knowledge from him in surprising ways. He demonstrated to me that balance does not entail giving up anything. He reminded me that happiness and fulfillment may also be found in the gaps between goals—in the discussions, the laughing, and the shared experiences that aren’t quantifiable on a scoreboard or resume. I had been so focused on my profession and accomplishments. It was about realizing that life is richer when you give yourself permission to live it to the fullest, not about slowing down.
Naturally, we disagreed with one another. He was brave; I was cautious. He jumped as I calculated. However, those differences eventually became complementary. He urged me where I hesitated, and I grounded him where he hurried. Together, we learned that rather than being opposites tearing each other apart, we were two distinct rhythms that, when combined, produced something more powerful and significant.
I grin when I think back on how unsure I was when we first met. I might have lost out on someone who has not only become a partner but also an inspiration if I had only listened to my first instincts. Moore demonstrated to me that sometimes the people that push your boundaries are the ones who broaden your perspective the most. And I’m thankful for that.