The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot. – Bill Russell
March Madness is reaching its crescendo. This past weekend the Sweet 16 was trimmed down to the Elite Eight which in turn has shaped the Final Four match-ups for next Saturday.
The Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament is like baseball’s World Series, but on steroids (no intended dig here baseball fans) in that it is an extended sporting event that is more about physical and mental endurance than it is the final scores. The three-plus week tournament is about the teams who overachieved and the ones that fell short. It’s about finding the courage to move forward regardless of the outcome. It’s about faith, hope and character.
After watching the tournament over the past couple of weeks, it has occurred to me how the language of basketball can be interpreted from its intended meaning and into something more important. Read more
First love is dangerous only when it is also the last. – Branislav Nusic
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
My first love recently found me on Facebook. When I saw her friend request I left the present and went back to 1979. 30 years ago, I was a junior in high school driving my ’69 Volkswagen Beatle while listening to the Bee Gees on the AM-only band radio and not realizing the power love would have in my life.
It also never occurred to me there would come a day when I would be in my mid 40s forgetting what it was like to be young. At 16-years-old, there was a whole life in front of me and with no need to rush.
Like most, when I was a child I had several childhood crushes. I had crushes on a few teachers, girls I saw on television, and I had a huge crush on a young lady in Kindergarten named Sonya who always wore plaid jumpers. These crushes eventually lead me to my first intimate relationship and to my first love.
It was in this relationship when I first considered what it would be like to share a life with someone else and what I wanted from love. It was an awakening, an awareness, that I was worthy to give and receive love unconditionally. I experienced my first love almost a lifetime ago, but the lessons learned are still with me today. Read more
“Flames to dust. Lovers to friends. Why do all good things come to an end?” – Nelly Furtado
The ride is an exciting one. Everything at work is positive and fulfilling. You and your partner have been sharing life at a high-level of connection and intimacy. You feel truly aligned with your life’s purpose and the world seems conquerable, if not a little more manageable.
The positive vibrations and successes seem limitless. Then it happens. One thing does not work out. You and your partner argue. A setback happens at work. You feel the brakes being applied. The ride is over. Why do all good things have to come to an end? Read more
You can bend it and twist it. You can misuse and abuse it. But even God cannot change the Truth. – Michael Levy
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
It is never too late to bring about lasting change for your life. No matter your present circumstances, not matter what has happened in your past; no matter your age, gender, or socioeconomic status, you are the creator of the life you want to live.
Dr. Gordon Livingston, author of Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart
After learning more about Dr. Livingston’s life and the circumstances regarding how he lost his two sons within a thirteen month period, I have been moved by his commitment to preserve hope in a world capable of inflicting such great tragedy. His ability and strength to move forward in spite of the obstacles is inspirational.
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. – Anne Frank
We may not solve every problem we encounter or always find the right words to say in a challenging situation, but we do have the ability to make a difference today. When our focus is how we can make a positive impact, just one helpful action today, then we really can change the world – one day at a time.
Making a difference has no scale. It could be saying the encouraging words someone in our life needs to hear or it could be agreeing to do a chore no else wants to do. Making a difference means to provide whatever resources we have to improve every life we touch.
These improvements can be measured in buckets or they can be measured in teaspoons. The point isn’t really to measure them at all, only to provide them. When we do, we can make a difference today. Read more
