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
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
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
Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. – Mary McCleod Bethune
Commitment takes courage. Many times we are content to stand on the sidelines and just watch as the game is being played. It’s safer there; but there’s no action and no opportunity for success, or growth.
Sometimes we just need to jump into it and see what happens. Sometimes we just need to burn the boats.
The ancient Greek warriors understood this idea. These Greeks possessed an unwavering attitude to victory and commitment. When the Grecian armies landed on their enemy’s shore, the first order the commanders gave was “Burn the boats.” Read more
“Remember this: A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6, NLT
The Blackwell family recently passed their own Economic Stimulus Package. The slow economy and resulting recession is playing havoc with our family budget. The rising cost of groceries (I paid over $4 for a box of breakfast cereal last night) is putting a substantial dent in our checkbook. More disturbing, though, is my home’s energy bill in February was more than the monthly rent of our first apartment.
My family’s budgetary challenges are only a snapshot of what’s happening across the country and around the world. While mortgage foreclosures and stock market losses is playing a significant role in shaping the worst recession since The Great Depression, perhaps the greatest impact of this financial crisis is how the unemployment rate is rising at an frightening rate.
Behind the unemployment reports and statistics are real people who find themselves without jobs, but with bills which still need to be paid and children who still need shelter and the certainty their next meal is coming. Read more
Prepare your mind to receive the best that life has to offer. – Ernest Holmes
At times, our life can feel like it is spinning out of control. We feel completely powerless and overwhelmed by the many factors and circumstances that dictate and shape how we live. During moments like these, it may be easier to give up and accept these conditions, or we can choose to surrender and keep moving forward.
The good news is the act of surrendering provides us with the ability to reclaim what belongs to each one of us. By surrendering, we gain the power to drive our lives in any direction we choose. It begins with making the decision to take the first step.
- Step 1: Be Selfish
- Step 2: Say No
- Step 3: Step Away
- Step 4: No More Excuses
- Step 5: Look Forward, Not Back
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