AJ let out a good hearty laugh and nodded a sympathetic knowing nod, as if to say he knew the feeling. “Trust me, I get it. I went from doing every stunt under the sun in a single day and still coming home to raise two young kids, to advising on stunts, managing careers, and still having enough time for family." He paused a second, looking ahead at the horizon. "It’s tough, but stepping back doesn’t mean you’re letting go of control. It’s just about giving yourself the chance to refocus.”
Gazing back over in Doug’s direction when he started talking about how his transition seemed so right and took another sip as he listened. “Couldn’t agree with you more, this is the me I’ve always been, and representing that is what I needed to do. But part of that is trying to change internally too, right." AJ instantly say forward, carefully not to spill his drink. “Hell, it’s about evolving, just like we’ve both been talking about. You’re still Doug and nothing is going anywhere. Except…” He paused for effect, adding a breath into the pause. "…The opportunity to make memories? Life is fleeting, Doug. Don’t let it pass by.” He rubbed the back of his neck as settled back in his seat again. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the stuff that scares us the most is where the real growth happens. You just have to trust that the world won’t fall apart while you’re gone." He grinned at the ‘I told you so’ comment and let a few more second pass by before adding, "Besides, you got that action thriller coming up, yeah? Maybe you can seek further advice from your fellow cast members?”
@Jass - Doug - Hope the film suggestion was okay to add? I know we briefly talked about it, but didn’t know if it was gonna go ahead. Can change if needed. (wink)