MPG Letter #189
Experience vs. Opinion, National Pride, X Games Took Me Back
Experience vs. Opinion
I just got back from my fourth trip to CPI Stem Cells, and every time I go, I’m reminded why I believe in what they’re doing.
It’s not because someone handed me a research paper. It’s because I meet people. Every. Single. Time.
People who were in wheelchairs and are now walking. People living with less pain. People getting back to hobbies they thought they’d never do again. Their stories are hard to ignore.
Then I come home, read the comments, and see people saying, “Stem cells don’t fix discs,” or “That stuff doesn’t work.”
My question is…why are some people so quick to dismiss something they’ve never experienced?
I’m not saying stem cells work for everything or for everyone. But I know what I’ve experienced.
Before getting the P-Shot, my coach talked to doctors and surgeons who told him it wouldn’t help me. They were confident it wouldn’t make a difference. I got it anyway.
Let’s just say…I need bigger “youknowwhats” now. 😂🍆
Jokes aside, that’s my point. You can’t tell someone their experience didn’t happen. Between my own results and the dozens of patients I meet every time I visit CPI, I’ve seen too much to simply write it off.
Healthy skepticism is important. But so is being willing to say, “Maybe there’s something here worth paying attention to.”
National Pride 🇲🇽
One thing I couldn’t stop thinking about after my trip to Tijuana had nothing to do with stem cells.
The World Cup was on, and the entire city seemed to stop. Everywhere I looked, people were wearing Mexico jerseys. Restaurants were packed. Every goal sent the whole place into a frenzy. Cars drove by waving flags and honking their horns. Complete strangers hugged each other. People were literally throwing their buddies into the air after goals. The pride was contagious. 😂
A few days later I was back home at Dave & Buster’s, and Mexico was playing again. The place was packed. I was talking to the hostess when Mexico scored, and the crowd got so loud we literally had to stop our conversation until everyone settled down. It instantly took me back to Tijuana.
It made me realize how rare that kind of unity feels. An entire country, regardless of background, all pulling in the same direction for one thing.
Then it made me think…why do we celebrate so differently in America? Too often, our biggest celebrations end with people destroying property, flipping cars, or looting businesses. Why is that? Why can’t we celebrate with the same pride and joy without tearing things apart?
I don’t have the answer. I just know I witnessed something special. The passion was real, the food was phenomenal, and the sense of community was something I wish we experienced more often.
X Games Took Me Back
The X Games rolled into Sacramento this weekend, and man…it took me right back to being a kid.
I had to dress the part too. Baggy pants, white tee, Vans. I fit right in. 😂
The first thing I saw was a hacky sack circle. I hadn’t thought about hacky sack in years. Before I knew it, I wasn’t just filming anymore. I jumped in and got lost in the circle for a minute. It was like being transported back to the mid 1990s.
After that we watched street BMX, and the grand finale was Best Trick. These guys were launching off massive ramps throwing double backflips and tricks I can’t even describe. Absolutely insane. The talent and fearlessness was unreal.
A buddy pulled us into the VIP area, so we got to hang with friends, grab some food, enjoy the AC, and take it all in. It was the perfect way to end the night.
Sometimes it’s good to feel like a kid again. To get outside, support live events, and remember what made you smile before life got so serious.
Shout out to the X Games for bringing that feeling back to Sacramento. 🤙🏽
Need a little more energy?
Whether I’m traveling, training, or spending all day at events like the X Games, I hate relying on energy drinks and sugary coffee.
That’s why I’ve been using THRUX caffeine pouches. Just pop one in and you’ve got clean energy without carrying around a drink or dealing with the crash.
If you’re looking for an easier way to stay focused this summer, check them out.
That’s a wrap for this week.
Life has a way of closing doors and opening your eyes at the same time.
I’m grateful for the battles, the lessons, the people, and the platform. But I’m even more excited for what’s next.
This letter is where I’ll keep sharing the real journey. The fights, the healing, the purpose, the family, the wins, the losses, and the growth in between.
Appreciate you being here.
Max “Pain” Griffin