Special Olympics Tournament

So today I had the great honor in participating in Unified Special Olympics Bowling tournament.  Over the past 2 months I have played 2 games, every Friday at 4pm with Tim (Forest) Hiller and AJ (sorry buddy I forgot your last name).  Today we came in third, Tim and I, but that isn't the point.

The point is that being a part of this has really brought me down to earth (and I like to think I'm pretty humble).  They showed me how much I really have and how little I actually struggle.  I complain when something doesn't go my way or whatever - these kids wouldn't think about that.  They don't ever complain...ever.  Timmy bowled gutter after gutter and with a little self correction knocks down a STRIKE!  You'd think he just won the lottery.  And I was so proud and happy for him.  Even writing this brings joy and some tears because it really is something special to see.  In case you hadn't noticed, it's even a little difficult to describe the feeling.  If you ever have a bad day they brighten it right up and make you feel really special.  I am grateful for every moment I spent with them and will truly miss them.  Please, if you ever get the chance, don't pass it up.  It's a memory you'll never regret

Nik

Potential

The question I have been asking myself lately - how do you realize your own potential?  I asked Ross Enamait that very question and his response was not what I was hoping for.  He said, and I paraphrase here, "do we ever truly realize our own potential?"  Like I said, not the answer I was banking on; I was hoping for the gates of heaven to open and the light and angels to show me the way.  Ya, right.  


But that thought is interesting - we don't really know our own potential, it comes from simply doing.  Whether this be discussing a topic with someone and realize, "hey, I know more than I thought." Or like my self, you realize you're faster, stronger, quicker than you realized.  Until you look at the clock and say - Oh shit...I didn't even notice.  


But, lets go back to the beginning...What is potential?  Well, its the possibility of something occurring.  In my thought, my own potential greatness/ability.  So if something must become a possibility there has to be a reason for thinking it, right? (stay with me here).  For most people, its training or preparation.  Day in and day out, we work our ass off in hopes of something better.  We have prepared and given the opportunity for greater potential.  Now, we have the possibility of greatness.  How do we achieve it or know it's there?


By going out and testing ourselves.  Laying everything on the line and seeing where the chips fall.  Its stepping into the cage, speaking up in the boardroom, competing, or taking some kind of risk.  That's where we realize our potential.  Sometimes life kicks us in the teeth, better luck next time.  Other times, it gives us a glimmer of hope and that thought - "Maybe I'm better than I thought I was."  The movie Rocky Balboa said it best, "How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you!" Taking that risk of getting knocked on your ass, thats where the discovery lies.  


Take the chance and go see what you're capable of!


Nik

Beast Mode

So I've talked about being in "Beast Mode." But what is it exactly? We'll, beast mode is a state of mind; the mindset that I'm going to destroy whatever lays before me and I'm going to make it pay for thinking it can touch me.  That's beast mode.  Its a switch you flip ON when shit needs to get done.  Its a state of mind that says - You Fu#^$# with the wrong person today.  It's within you...just flip the switch

Beast Mode On

Life is...

Fragile.  Yes, life is a delicate thing.  With the passing of my grandfather it made me realize something that's always been lingering.  Nothing truly lasts forever.  Sure, things endure, but forever has an end.  People close to you will pass on, your job may be eliminated, the list goes on.  It sounds sad...it is.  Life is fragile.  But it should be enjoyed.  With death, it puts life in perspective.  But the problem is this - are we truly living?  Do we cherish each moment of our day?  Do we stop and realize how amazing this place is?  The sky is blue, the clouds, the snow, the rain...all of it is truly wonderful.  Yet, how often do we just pass it up, move on with our day to day routine.  I said death puts our lives in perspective.  Its frail yet amazing. Cherish each moment, each person as if they may not be here tomorrow.  We only exist for a short time, make the most of it for you can't take anything with you.  So that's my challenge to you...go out and live, truly live!