I just wanted to stop time.
That summer, I was in Pelješac. The sea was warm, the sunsets perfect. I was in love. I was healthy. I was creating memories, not chasing goals. And without realizing it, I was living what I now believe was the happiest part of my life.
The company was doing well. We had funding. A clear path. But this isn’t a company story. This is personal. This is about being naked in public, finally. Nobody around me knew what was coming. Not even me. At the time, I felt whole.
Certain choices in life lead you to unbelievable places, and that summer, I felt like I had made the right ones. I remember the details like they’re printed in me. The orange light on the water. The taste of salt. The feeling of being exactly where I wanted to be. I’ve always dreamt big. But that summer, “big” was right in front of me. And with me. I didn’t need more. I just wanted to stay there, in that stillness, forever.
I never shared this part of my life, but I say it now because I need people to understand why I always say that Ivan from that summer is not the Ivan standing here today. Somewhere between then and now, everything changed, and I carry the scars forever. But life goes on. And life doesn’t ask if you’re ready.
After that summer, I got a call, one that would change everything. A new project. A high-profile bike build. Middle East. I didn’t even answer the first call. Because I was still standing in that sunset. And part of me still is.
