What’s important now?

Not what’s important in an hour; or tomorrow; or next week. What’s important right now at this very moment in time?

This is a question I ask myself numerous times on a daily basis and wholeheartedly believe you should do the same. As a husband, father, and colleague, it brings a great deal of perspective and objectivity to my life. It’s a powerful question that I ask myself from the moment I wake up to begin my day all the way until I close my eyes and fall asleep to prepare for another day. Every day during our personal and professional lives we are faced with a number of critical choices and decisions. Our responses to those choices and the decisions we make all have a lasting impact on our health, our relationships, our careers, and our finances.

Why do I believe it’s so fundamental? First and foremost, it allows me to focus at what matters most at any given moment. When you ask yourself this question, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to take a step back and rationally observe what’s important at that particular moment in time. This enables you to prioritize what you’re doing and gives yourself the correct mindset to control and/or execute your duties in an efficient manner.

Secondly, it allows me to pause and briefly imagine the impact of the choice I have and almost instantly brings to mind the most desirable choice. When I say desirable I do not mean the choice that will give myself the most immediate gratification – I mean the choice that will have the most positive impact on my life. For instance, I will use my role as a husband to illustrate my point of view. On any given evening that my wife isn’t working as a RN, there’s a good chance that the sink is full of dishes and the kitchen needs cleaned up. My lovely wife has just spent the day taking care of my son, cooking dinner, going grocery shopping, among other parenting and housekeeping tasks. I arrive home from work, exhausted and ready to kick my feet up, and admittedly it would be easy to shrug off the obligations in the kitchen and say, “Ah, Emily didn’t work today and she can take care of it.” However, after asking myself, “W.I.N”, I recognize the same level of exhaustion Emily has to be experiencing and how much gratification she would receive from my thoughtful and selfless action. Additionally, it would give her extra time to relax and unwind and, quite honestly, it allows me to relax better knowing that I did something small to help her out.

The reason I love and employ this question it because not only does it involve the present, but it connects us with the future as well. It’s a question that can serve as a guide to help you prioritize the choices and decisions you are faced with every day. A question that can help you overcome life’s challenges, obstacles, and road blocks.

So, I must ask you… What’s important now?

Thanks for reading!

Chris

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. – C. S. Lewis

What an incredibly moving quote, and one that sets the mood perfectly for my latest piece of writing. I’ve been fortunate to have experienced a vast number of different job positions in my short professional career, with the majority of them being internships. As a matter of fact, I’ve worked four different internships since I graduated from Ball State University in May of 2012. From working as the assistant to the general manager at one of the most renowned mixed martial arts gyms in the country, Jackson’s MMA; to working as a senior intern at a youth health and fitness nonprofit, Nine13sports, my twenties have been jam-packed with internships. Although internships are definitely not for everyone – as the majority of them are low pay – I believe it’s attributed significantly to my team-oriented and selfless mindset that I employ on a daily basis at my job now. I treat every single day at my job as if I’m still an intern and wholeheartedly believe that you should do the same at your job. Here’s why:

• I learned that no task or responsibility is below me: When you’re an intern, you put aside any amount of ego you might possess because you want the opportunity to prove that you have what it takes to be successful and, eventually, a full-time employee. You don’t care if it’s mowing your manager’s lawn (yes, I did that), washing dishes, taking out the trash, or getting coffee; nothing is above your pay grade. And, quite honestly, why should it? You’re at the bottom of the food chain and have absolutely no excuse as to why you shouldn’t tackle a project or role with unbridled enthusiasm.
• I recognized early on that what I’m doing, albeit small in nature from the outside looking in, is of great value to the overall success of the organization: Many times the people behind-the-scences are the ones doing the little things that often go unnoticed but make a big difference. Therefore, whenever I’m completing a task at my current job at Nine13sports, I always reflect on just how fundamental what I’m doing is, even though it might not appear that essential or noteworthy. For example, it would be easy for someone to perceive me helping a child pedal a bike as incidental, however, I consider it a special moment for that respective child and a memory they’ll hold with them forever. At any time that young child thinks about her time riding our bikes, I want his or her thoughts to be of excitement and joy. I want them to smile whenever the name, “Nine13sports,” is brought to their attention and state that they can’t wait to ride our bikes again.

• I learned how to operate with the, “you only get what you put into it,” mentality: There’s been countless times where I could’ve brushed off a task and declared, “that’s an intern job.” However, instead of brushing it off, I tackle it with keenness and focus. Moreover, I learned that I just can’t sit around and wait for my supervisor to assign me a task. I have to take the initiative and find something to do. My experience with internships taught me that work assignments aren’t just going to fall from the sky and into my lap. Sometimes, your supervisor doesn’t have the time or accessibility to be able to assign you a task at the present moment. One of the most pronounced ways to impress me in our internship program is tackling a project or completing a duty without me asking you to do it. For me, it shows that you’re being proactive and have the confidence to carry out a task without me looking over your shoulder and making sure you’re staying busy.

Even though my internship days are behind me as I’ve transitioned into a full-time employee, I still value our internship program at Nine13sports and internships programs in general. Quite frankly, I learn more from our interns than they probably recognize. I learn how to manage, how to present myself in certain situations, how to delegate, and best of all, I know what they’re feeling and what they expect of me. I take a great deal of pride in making sure they get the most quality experience possible from their internship and look back on their time with us with satisfaction and reverence.

If you’re currently an intern, all I can tell you is be confident in your role and understand that what you’re doing isn’t meaningless. Somebody is always watching you and evaluating the attitude you have towards your position. Show up, smile, tackle each project or task with vigilance and enthusiasm, and remember that what you’re doing always serves a purpose.

Thanks for reading!

Chris

It goes without saying that the role of fatherhood has changed my life more than I could have ever pictured. While the responsibilities, sleepless nights, and workload has certainly resulted in many trials and tribulations (along with the undeniable fatigue), I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the joys and pleasures being a parent has conveyed upon me. It’s been a life-changing experience that I’ll always cherish and has resulted in a transformed outlook on several facets of my life.

My general sense of what it means to be a parent has certainly been altered since I’ve entered into my own world of parenthood. I believe a common myth that’s thrown around once you have kids is that you can’t have fun anymore and that life is considered “boring” from here on out. I don’t know about everyone else but I would argue the exact opposite and that the fun is just beginning in many ways! Albeit, yes there’s a lot of repetition in the role of being a parent (feeding, changing, consoling, among others) but don’t we all have some sort of repetition in our daily lives? More often than not the majority of people will admit that they adhere to some form of repetition on a daily basis. Just because you do something repeatedly in no way diminishes the importance of what you’re doing. Every repetition that we do bestows upon us a new experience and memory to cherish eternally. Additionally, especially in the world of parenthood, I believe there’s constantly something new to learn about our children, and, by the same token, something that they can learn from us. Every action and dialogue that I convey to my son I attempt to put myself in his shoes and recognize the value or significance he could gain from it. One of my favorites is when I’m exercising in the morning and I see Colin getting all excited while he watches me workout. I’ll admit that sometimes it’s tough not to crack a smile or start laughing when I see how amused he gets while I exercise. I hope that his observation of my morning exercise routines will lead him to understand the magnitude of living a physically active lifestyle and how it leads to healthier life and improved sense of well-being.

An outlook of my life life that has changed since becoming a father is that I’ve stopped considering myself, “old.” I always knew it was ludicrous to think that, however, I couldn’t stray myself away from the feeling. I was representing an adult life and my carefree, sleep-in-till-eleven college self was taking issue with that from time to time. Nevertheless, once Colin was born, a light turned on in my head and I realized just how young I am and how much life I have in front of me. In some ways, life is just beginning for me and that’s a facet of my life that revels me on a daily basis. I remind myself of all the incredible moments of my life such as my wedding day, the birth of my first child, moving into my first home, and how one day I’ll be a witness to the same incredible moments that Colin will experience.

Another outlook that has changed is my overall sense of compassion for others. For example, before parenthood I might have become annoyed or frustrated at a unconsolable newborn while dining out at a restaurant with Emily. Fast forward to being a parent of my own in that same situation and I would feel a great sense of compassion and understanding for the couple of that child. If only people could identify just how challenging consoling a baby truly is. I used to think that going up to a newborn and making some funny faces would calm them down in a heartbeat and I definitely was wrong about that assertion. It’s much more challenging than it appears and if that same example was to happen today, I would want to help that couple in any way possible. When we have feelings of caring or love for other people, we feel better. Developing a greater sense of compassion has bestowed an outward-focused mindset and granted me the ability to put myself in other people’s shoes and to feel other people’s feelings.

Lastly, the role of teaching my son to be a man is one of the many goals that I thrive to accomplish every single day. The importance of manners, respecting his elders, knowing the differences between right and wrong, how to treat a woman, never giving up, working hard for what you believe in, along with countless others is what I strive to instill in Colin as he transitions from a boy into a man one day. Colin will learn to open the door for his wife because that’s what he learned from his daddy. A man, above all, recognizes his duty and therefore does not accept it lightly. He understands that his word is his bond, exercised by everyday actions and daily decisions.

Thank you for reading!

— Chris

 

 

Recently, I’ve been thinking a great deal about what the concept of happiness means to myself. I’ve always considered the mental or emotional state of happiness a choice that was firmly up to the respective individual.

While many question what happiness is and how it might be attained, I believe that it’s not as scientific and challenging as one may contemplate. Several of the features of my life that make me happy are as basic and straightforward as it comes. What happiness means to me includes, but is certainly not limited to, the following:

• The calm and soothing feeling of sitting outside on a cool summer night reflecting on the joy and gratefulness of my life.
• Walking up the stairs to get ready for bed and seeing my beautiful and loving wife sound asleep and thinking about how blessed I’m to be married to such an incredible woman.
• Seeing the contagious smile and natural pureness of my son as I pick him up from daycare.
• Relaxing on a Sunday night with my family and watching a movie as my dog Charlie lays in my lap and keeps me warm.
• Witnessing the excitement of my grandma Harris as she meets her first great-grandson and reflecting on the precious memories of when she used to watch me when I was a toddler.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately regarding a quote from one of my favorite TV shows, “The Office.” Albeit, the show received its widespread acclaim more from its humor than from its philosophical, thought-provoking quotes, however, the finale undoubtedly had some tear jerker moments. A quote from Andy Bernard in the final episode still resonates with me on a daily basis. The quote is, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days…before you’ve actually left them.”

Take a second to comprehend that quote and how it relates to your life. More often than not, you’re living in the good old days at this very moment! One day, you’ll look back on where you’re right now in your life and wish you could turn back time to the good old days.

You have the capability right now to accept your life and the genuine happiness it can bestow on you. You can start exercising regularly and eating healthy, start to practice mindfulness and other activities that simply your life, and, lastly, begin surrounding yourself with kind and loving people. There’s outside factors that will attempt to stray you away from embracing happiness, but the powers of resiliency, perseverance, and mindfulness will help invigorate you and recognize all the good that surrounds you. It’s up to YOU whether you lead a happy life or not. You only live one life so why not make it a happy one?!

What makes you genuinely happy and full of life?

Thanks for reading!

— Chris

 

 

 

 

This note is from the present day to myself the day before I became a father, which was December 9th, 2015:

Stop worrying so much, Chris. I know that the responsibilities and burdens of becoming a father are leaving you anxious and nervous, however, you really have nothing to worry about. First of all, you’re married to the most caring, thoughtful, and selfless woman on the planet who’s had your back since day the day you met. She’ll help you along the way, even when you feel completely hopeless, and remind you that you’re capable of achieving anything in this world. Emily will teach you all you need to know to be a great dad and more. She’ll teach you how to console, feed, and burp Colin, how to secure him in his car seat, how to change diapers, in addition to all of the other needs that babies require. She’s your rock and the woman that will stick with you no matter what. You can accomplish anything with her by your side. Secondly, you have a strong support system that will help you at the drop of a hat and pack you full of useful knowledge. You’ll be in a great deal of debt towards your parents, in addition to your in-laws, for all the of their assistance, love, and support they’ll give you.

Also, you’re forgetting how resilient of a person you’ve grown to be over the years – You’re the type of person who hates mediocrity, who wants to succeed in every facet of their life no matter what, and you have the drive and passion to do anything you set your mind to. You’ve never quit in anything that you’ve done and you never will. So what that you’ve never changed a diaper, tried to console a cranky baby, or been faced with the responsibilities that babies render upon you? You’ll learn everything you need to know about this and more and become a pro at it in no time. Just remember this – Nothing happens over night and your patience will be tested extensively and regularly over the next few months. Take big deep breaths, never lose your cool, and you’ll be perfectly fine. I promise you that.

Although this experience will completely overhaul your life and schedule, that doesn’t mean you can’t find time to still enjoy time to yourself and with Emily. Although time spent with Emily, with your friends, and in your beloved man cave is less frequent now, you enjoy it more than you ever imagined. You soak in the time to be able to recharge your batteries and get some down time. It’s special in a way you never thought possible.

You want to know what else is amazing, my friend? Your outlook on life will change. You won’t spend as much time worrying about the past or future and, quite honestly, why should you? You’ll have a beautiful and healthy baby boy, a gorgeous and loving wife, and a home to create memories for the rest of your life. You’ll look into the eyes of Colin and wonder how you ever lived without his adorable grin and contagious laugh.

You got this parenting thing down, man. Never question what you’re capable of. Now stop worrying, go help Emily, and let’s rock this dad thing.

Sincerely,

Your future self

 

 

 

I hate to break it to the people who use the phrase, “it’s just a dog,” but nothing could be farther from the truth. Dogs, in my humble opinion, are the purest animals that exist on our planet. Their simplicity, enthusiasm, and loyalty are just a few of the primary reasons why they’re loved so dearly by millions of people throughout the world. My little guy, Charlie, is going to be three-years-old next week and it goes without saying that he’s made a inspirational and profound impact on my life in that short amount of time. There’s no doubt that I’m a better husband, father, and person because of my little furry friend. I hope that with this post you can either relate to my relationship with Charlie with your fellow companion or discover that your dog is making a similar impact in your life. Below, you’ll find the five life lessons that I learned from my little guy:

1. Enjoy the simple pleasures that life presents you: Without question, Charlie’s simplicity is arguably my favorite thing about him. He loves anything and everything about the outdoors, playing with his toys, and eating a treat after being a good boy. His simple pleasures have translated into my life and transformed my appreciation for the little things. While some might find sitting outside on a sunny day and reading the paper or cooking a favorite meal boring in nature, I find the simplicity of the leisurely activites refreshing and straightforward.
2. Follow your instincts: How many of us question tens, if not hundreds, of our thoughts, actions, and decisions that we make on a daily basis? When Charlie smells a scent in the park, he doesn’t question the instinct-he follows that smell all the way to the bush and takes care of business. I strive to follow the same level of motivation, albeit with different respective outcomes, in my life. Whether it’s personal or professional, I have learned from Charlie that if your gut tells you to do it, then it’s best to honor that instinct.
3. Live in the moment: In this technology-driven, on-the-go, more, more, more world that we live in, it’s revitalizing what time spent with a dog can do. It’s inspiring to be around an animal that’s so pure and in the moment. Charlie’s not worried about the past or what the future might hold-he just wants me to throw his toy so we can play fetch. He wants to cuddle up next to me on a cold winter night and fall asleep next to me. He wants to me to never stop rubbing his belly. That refusal to think beyond the present is what I strive to instill in my life everyday.
4. Avoid a bite when a growl will do: In today’s day and age, especially with the growth of social media, everyone has a platform to levy their anger and/or frustration. It seems that our world is filled with negativity, largely in part because people don’t know how to manage their anger in a healthy way. While I’m naturally a calm person, I still experience moments of stress and frustration just as most of us do. If more people could recognize the healthier alternatives to help suppress their anger, such as regular exercise, listening to calming and relaxing music, talking with a loved one, and practicing controlled breathing, among many others, I know this world would be a more positive place. While it might be tempting to go for the bite, Charlie and I agree that you’ll feel much better about yourself and your overall mental well-being by settling for the growl.
5. Sometimes it’s best just to sit close and listen: Again, with the growth of social media, it seems that everyone thinks that their opinion deserves to be heard. Everyone believes what they have to say is front page news and that it’s worth millions of dollars. I’ve vastly improved my patience by having dog and I’ve learned that it’s better to be silent and wait for the entirety of the message or information that someone conveys to me instead of interrupting them. Then, after breaking all the information down, I can respond with a rational, informed message of my own. Or, perhaps it’s appropriate to not say anything at all and just be there for the person to express their thoughts and emotions. As crazy as it sounds, I believe my active listening has improved extensively thanks to Charlie. Additionally, I’ve learned that sometimes silence is a good thing-you shouldn’t have to be speaking all the time to feel comfortable around someone (and if you do, you aren’t really comfortable around them).

I’ve learned and absorbed more from my favorite little furry friend than I ever would have imagined when he was peeing and pooping on my floor back when he was a puppy. I tear up when I think about the bond we share together and all of the memories we’ve created in his short time with me. His enthusiasm when I walk in the door, the way he licks my face after dinner to make sure I ate every bite, the way he tilts his head when I asks if he wants to go to the park, and his genuine love for life are what makes him special to my family and I. I love you, Charlie Harris. You truly are a man’s best friend.

What has your furry friend taught you about life?

Thanks for reading!

— Chris

Emily,

You’re amazing, you know that right? Four-and-a-half years ago we met during the fall semester of our senior year at Ball State University and I never would have envisioned the fundamental impact you would have on my life. We’ve grown together over the years, going from two carefree college students to the responsible, prudent, and selfless parents of today. On occasion, I reminisce about our first year or two together as a young couple in our early 20’s and one thing is for certain: You weren’t dating the man that you’re married to today. You were dating a boy and in the following passages, I’m going to address how you transformed this once lost, hesitant boy into the confident, pep in my step man that I’m today.

• You Taught Me to Stop Worrying So Much: I had a terrible habit of overanalyzing every conversation, situation, and experience, among others, that occurred in my life. You exhibited to me that not everything needs to be scrutinized and sometimes it’s better to just shake it off and move on. I’ll always be in debt to you for showing me that life is too short to worry what others say or think about you.
• Be Patient and Wait on the Lord: I never was the most religious person before I met you and I’ll forever be thankful to you for connecting me with our Lord and how meaningful a relationship with Him can be. There’s no other place I would want to spend my Sunday mornings than with you, Colin, and the rest of the congregation at Stilesville Christian Church promoting hope, optimism, and positivity. The church has taught me that I need to continue to adopt and develop higher qualities of love, generosity, and kindness and it’s refreshing to be surrounded by people who share the same message and vision.
• Nothing is More Important than Family: It can be easy sometimes to get lost in the mundane daily tasks that we’re all faced with, such as keeping the house clean, mowing the yard, washing the dishes, etc., but you deep-rooted in me that nothing is more important than family. There is nothing more significant that I shouldn’t be able to take five minutes to share a warm embrace with you and tell you that I love you when I get home from work or spend ten minutes reading Colin a book before bed. Additionally, you rendered the mindset to never take any moment for granted because tomorrow is never promised to any of us.
• The Clock Has Run Out on My Harshness: It might come as a surprise to some, but I didn’t have the highest of self-esteem when I was younger. I was constantly self-criticizing myself and thinking pessimistically. I love that you demonstrated to me that if you can’t be kind to yourself, it’s hard to expect the same from others. Even though I still make mistakes (as we all do), I recognize now that nobody can make me feel insignificant without my consent. You reminded me how to have fun, laugh, to focus on what matters, and to have an infectious smile at all times, no matter what.

With you by my side, I know that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I love that moment when I just look into your eyes and a genuine sense of happiness fills my body and heart. You make me feel special, extraordinary, confident, loved, and I’m beyond blessed and fortunate to have crossed paths with someone as pure and caring as you. Thank you for molding me into the man that I am today, sweetie. I love you.

Your husband,

Chris

Ah… my life before fatherhood. Even though it’s been just less than 3 months since little Colin joined our world, I believe all new parents would attest that the first few months seem much longer than they really are. You can read all the books you want (and I did), but adjusting to the new lifestyle filled with responsibilities and little sleep definitely was a challenge and experience that I’m still adjusting to. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made a night and day improvement compared to when I first started out and I’m much more confident in my overall dad skill set. However, I’m a firm believer that you should never settle and that there’s always room for improvement in all facets of your life and I’m going to continue to focus every single day on how to be the most caring and loving father possible. My life pre-baby has changed radically compared to my life post-baby, and here are a couple of ways it has since my handsome little man joined us on December 10th, 2015, at 9:30 a.m:

• It’s Not About Me Anymore: For 26 years and 86 days, all I had known was how to take care of numero uno. Granted, I took care of my beautiful wife by preparing dinner, cleaning up the house, and giving her unconditional love and support. Also, with Emily’s help we house trained our dog, Charlie (which was no walk in the park), in addition to feeding him and our cat, Chip, on a daily basis and giving them unconditional love and support. However, I had never been faced with the challenges of feeding, cleaning, burping, and consoling, among other needs, that newborns require. They quickly bestow on you that it’s not about you anymore and that whatever personal need or housekeeping task you’re trying to fulfill can wait until their needs are taken care of. You really understand quickly the concept of prioritizing, what’s it important, and what can wait till later.
• Life Has Slowed Down: I was always pretty good at living life in the moment and taking everything day by day. However, I believe it’s slowed down even more for me since Colin was born. There are times, such as when he’s smiling big for the camera or sleeping on my chest, that I just wish there was a remote with a pause button. Little things that would bug me before (traffic, weather, etc.) I hardly give a second thought to anymore. Furthermore, I reckon most parents would agree that while it’s exciting to watch your kids get bigger, there’s also a part of you that wants them to stay little and innocent forever.
• The Little Things That Make a Big Difference: I’m blessed in the fact that my in-laws reside less than a half-an-hour away from us and my immediate family less than 2 hours. Without their support, guidance, and mentoring, I couldn’t even fathom how much more challenging this life-changing experience would be for me. You can’t put into words how fortunate I’m to have the support system I do and to have the luxury of always having someone to watch Colin while I take Emily out to dinner and show her how much I appreciate what she does for Colin and I.
• Not Everything is Going to Go According to Plan (and That’s Okay): Adaptability is a quality that you either have, or a newborn will integrate into you relatively quickly. You must be flexible and ready to adapt to any situation that is set before you. Also, you must keep a calm demeanor and stay focused on resolving or fixing whatever the situation is. It’s true what they say – babies can sense your mood and they react accordingly. The more frustrated that you get, the more frustrated your baby will get.

Although life has changed dramatically since becoming a parent, I still live a fulfilled and rewarding life. I’ve always thought that life is what you put into it and that nothing should stop you from enjoying all the facets of it and being genuinely happy. I hope to continue enhancing my dad skills to the point of potentially one day being a (wait for it) “SUPER DAD!”

Thanks for reading!

– Chris

From playing pickup basketball games in my parents driveway with my friends to participating in organized, competitive athletics from 2nd grade all the way up until my senior year of high school, there’s no question that sports have played a fundamental role throughout my life. Although every athlete has their respective motivations for playing, mine will forever be the social bond that was established among my teammates and coaches, and the adrenaline I felt before and during the game or while making a key and timely play. Athletics instilled a number of notable and perpetual values in me that still influence me on a daily basis, both professionally and personally, in a number of positive ways and will continue to for the rest of my life.

1. Teamwork: The recognition that what I’m doing is bigger than just myself is what I believe teamwork is all about. For example, when my son, Colin, wakes up at 3 a.m. and is fussy because he is hungry to be fed, I remember the value of teamwork that sports taught me. Instead of perhaps getting agitated or flustered because he’s woken me up during the middle of the night, I acknowledge that the feeding and nurturing of my son is twofold: 1) I’m taking care of his genuine wants and needs, all while showing him the love and compassion that I’ll eternally have for him; and 2) I’m giving my beautiful, caring, and selfless wife the opportunity to get some much needed rest and sleep for a few more hours. My wife and I have a common goal of working together to ensure our son is as loved, nurtured, and cared for as humanly possible. Without question, my family is my team now and I’m willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their happiness and well-being is foremost every single day of my life.
2. Patience: Patience is a value that I consider to be sorely underrated. Patience, in my humble opinion, is a powerful mental tool that’s losing ground in our society today. Respecting the winding road that life takes us on and all of the ups and downs that we’ll be faced with along the way is imperative to living a life of fulfillment and gratitude. When I was completing my Master’s Degree at Indiana State University and working as a graduate assistant at Ivy Tech in their Office of Student Life, it would have been easy for me to lose my patience with the demands of school while only employed at a part-time position. While I won’t deny there were hurdles, the value of patience that sports infused in me is one of the ultimate reasons why I landed the position I dreamed of today. If I would have spent my days in frustration, continually looking ahead to what might be, I wouldn’t have unlocked the abundant amount of positivity that was taking place in my life.
3. Perseverance: Another powerful tool that sports can foster is the value of perseverance. More often than not, mental toughness is the factor when determining the success and overall contentment of an individual. Despite the fact that at one point in our lives we all experience pain, agony, and failure, what separates many people is how they respond to it. I read somewhere that you can only feel a negative emotion or feeling if you allow yourself to endure it. Similarly, I believe the same can be said for how you move forward after another defeat, rejection, or tragedy. In your life, there will be people who will doubt you or tell you that you’re destined for failure. Instead of succumbing to their opinions, let it bestow upon you the motivation to rise to the challenge and prove the doubters wrong.
4. Commitment: Lastly, the importance of being committed to what I’m doing was cultivated from my participation in athletics (as well as my parents). For me, when I say I’m going to do a task at either work, as a husband, or as a father, that means I’m dedicated to fulfilling my responsibility. Athletics imparted in me the desire to achieve success. Commitment is the inner drive to put your heart and soul into accomplishing your goals. To reach your potential as an athlete you must have a strong work ethic and an underlying belief that you can succeed. High achievers are dedicated to work hard even when they don’t enjoy some of the tasks, because they are committed to the efforts necessary for their goals.

Although I don’t take part in athletics competitively anymore, as you can see they’re still an essential part of my life. From the values that were deeply ingrained in me to the genuine love and understanding of recreation and taking care of ones body, athletics has made a lasting impression on me. The friendships, memories, and principles, among many others, that athletics can cultivate can’t be overstated, and while not everyone is destined or motivated to play athletics, I will continue to endorse the benefits that they deliver endlessly and encourage my son to follow that path (if he so chooses).

What values did athletics instill in you?

Thank you for reading!

— Chris

The holiday season is always, and forever will be, a special and reflective time in my life. From the time spent with family and friends to the Christmas music, tree, lights, and everything in between, this is a perfect time for individuals to feel grateful and joyous. Additionally, the end of the year is an ideal time frame for people to reflect on the overall direction of their respective lives, including the highs and lows of their professional careers and personal lives. Taking the time to unwind and mull over the past year is an outlet many individuals use as a way to recharge and cultivate their emotional stability. More often than not, the responsibilities of work, family, housekeeping, and other obligations have taken its toll on not only the body, but the mind as well. While I’ll always feel sentimental about the holiday season and encourage people to take the time to be grateful and pensive during them, I can’t help but ponder, “Why can’t everyone be like this all the time?!”

In terms of staying humble and appreciative of life around the clock, even when the ebb and flow of daily living takes it toll, there are still ways to give thanks, experience gratitude, and prepare for the overflowing amount of love and joy that surround us. Accepting more and expecting less in our lives is a practice that you could begin at this present moment if you so desired. There are going to be situations and other things that are out of your control, however, learning to accept what is offers a wonderful anecdote to a heavy heart. What’s more, it helps provide a greater sense of control and grants relief when feeling stuck in a rut. Something that I tell myself from time to time when I’m in a challenging situation is, “This may be difficult, and I’m not particularly fond of it, but I know I can overcome it. I have a wonderful life and have overcome adversity before, therefore, there’s no reason I can’t handle this.” Moreover, reminding yourself of all the positive and inspiring facets of your life is another easy outlet to staying grounded. Additional ways to stay grateful year-round, and not just during the holidays, include:

• Find the Meaning: Even in the most bleak and dire of circumstances, there’s a meaning behind it. By asking yourself, “what does this mean, and what can it teach me?” you can stay mindful and focus on a greater purpose in life.
• Forgive and Forget: How many of us hold a grudge against someone or something that’s happened to us in our lives? Forgiveness is one of the healthiest and most stabilizing emotions to improve well-being and gratitude.

While many might find it challenging and virtually impossible to find ways to recharge in the fast-paced, constantly-evolving world that every single day seems to be more tech driven, there are still practical activities and exercises that you can utilize that help recharge your batteries. One of my favorite ways to rejuvenate is to take my dog, Charlie, on a walk outside and get some fresh air. It’s incredible the differences in my mindset and overall mood from the moment I walk out the door to take him on the walk to when I walk in the door afterwards. There’s just something about the beauty of nature and the genuine enthusiasm that he has for the great outdoors that stimulates my mental well-being and improves my state of mind. Furthermore, other activities that I suggest to help invigorate and boost your spirits include, but are not limited to: a) Spending time with family and/or friends; b) Reading a book, newspaper, or periodical; c) Listening to a podcast, music artist, or station, among others; d) Exercise of any kind (Aerobic or Anaerobic); and, e) Taking a tech break. Yes, you read that last letter correctly. Arguably, my favorite time of the day is when I’m relaxing at home with my family, my phone is nowhere near me, and it’s impossible for anyone to communicate with me. Even though I enjoy having a cell phone and all of the conveniences it offers, it can be absolutely taxing on my energy level if I’m on it too often. At night, don’t put your phone right by your head, and if you can, turn off both your mobile device and your wireless Internet to give yourself a break from the frequencies.

By staying present and cognizant and finding meaning in all facets of life, you’ll find that your life will be much more fulfilling. Even during the difficult times, the right people and circumstances will come along. Don’t ever give up. You will reach your potential and fulfill your dreams if you remain grateful through the difficult times and faithful to the end. Life is a precious and valuable commodity that we’re all privileged to experience. Take a moment or two everyday to look around and take in everything that life has to offer. Make every effort to enjoy and be grateful for everything that you have because life’s too short and precious not to do so.

What are some ways that help you remain grateful and reflective in your life?

Thank you for reading!

— Chris