Creative Chaos to Family Focus

Hey, I’m Cole Younger Brakebill. I live in Amarillo, Texas, where the sunsets stretch for miles, and life moves at a pace that reminds you to appreciate the small things. I grew up on a Roosevelt County Road, just outside of Portales, New Mexico, and that small-town upbringing shaped a lot of who I am today. It’s the kind of place that teaches you the value of hard work and staying true to your roots.

At home, I’m a husband and a father, roles that mean more to me than anything else. My wife and I are raising two incredible daughters, and let me tell you, they’ve given me a clearer sense of purpose than I ever thought possible. In recent months, I’ve made some big changes in my life to focus on them more. I spent a lot of time chasing creative dreams—whether it was music or video production—and while those projects were exciting, they often pulled me away from where I really needed to be. So now, my focus is on being fully present for my family, showing up in the ways that matter most.

By day, I work in Procurement, which is a lot less glamorous than it sounds, but it’s honest work, and I take pride in doing my job well. It provides for my family and lets me contribute to something bigger than myself. After years of bouncing around creative pursuits, I’ve found a new balance where I can still express myself but not at the expense of the people I love.

These days, my creative outlet is writing. Blogging, to be specific. I’m new to it, but it’s quickly become something I look forward to. It allows me to express my thoughts, reflect on what’s important in my life, and share a little bit of my journey with others. I’ve found that I need a bit of creative expression every day to feel fulfilled—it’s like a small part of me that keeps things in balance.

So, while I may not be the next great American writer, I’m content with where I am. I’m focused on being the best husband and father I can be, showing up at work, and finding time to express myself in a way that doesn’t pull me away from my family. If you take one thing away from reading this, I hope it’s that I’m trying my best to live a good, balanced life.

Thanks for being part of this journey.

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Finding My Creative Balance

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Reflecting on the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon