Make this day THE day!

Author's Note: In this piece I examine the significance of a quote from the ancient Greek philosopher and poet, Horace. This was something I heard long ago and it has stuck with me and returned to me many times in my life.

Carpe Diem. This two word phrase from an ancient poem is often translated into "seize the day". Too often people forget or fail to realize the importance of making the most of life has to offer.  What do you do to "grab the bull by its' horns", or control your own destiny? How to you live life to the fullest, making sure that no regret occurs?

Those individuals who set a course in life often find themselves where they want to be; on the way to a satisfying future, and those who let life dictate a course often find themselves where they do not want to be, or are dissatisfied with the course.  Should we all hope to or wait to "win the lottery" and become millionaires, or should we set our sights on a goal, work to reach it, and relish in its' glory?

If there is one thing I have come to understand in my years is that if I have a desire to do something and be successful, then I need to fully engage in the task, setting aside all other distraction; if I fail to do this, then I leave success to chance and luck.

I often think of another not so famous discussion from a movie of the late seventies where an older gentleman is discussing the future of a boy who is soon to go off to college.  In essence, the man says to the boy: where do you want to be: owning the lumber yard or working for it?  What will it be for you?

It Will ...

Author's Note:  I was inspired by a quote I saw in the workout facility NXLevel, a place where many successful athletes train at a high level.  I tried to connect with the quotes in hopes if inspiring other as well.

It will take sacrifice,
It will take courage,
It will take dedication;
It will take you where you want to go.

The definition of the word "it" in the above quote holds a multitude of meanings.  Often found on the walls of buildings where successful people work or play, this quote may guide an individual towards reaching great heights in their goal setting. I fully understand the difficulties people face each day, yet I can't help wonder why some people rise to the occasion, while others cower and find excuses why they fail or are unsuccessful. In my time as a husband, father, son, brother, teacher, student, athlete, and friend, I have come to see the reality of what hard work means and what the results of hard work can be. My goal is, an will always be to have a positive influence on as many others as I can.

The individual who works, wins; the individual who wins, works, often times working many times harder than other people.  One thing can be said: "it" is much more than a pronoun, more than a vowel and a consonant and much more than nothing!

"Effort is only effort when it begins to hurt!"  Jose Ortega y Gasset

“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”  Vincent T. Lombardi

"It is hard to beat a person who never gives up." Babe Ruth

"Dream big; work hard!" JJ Watt

The Bad Side of Winter Weather...

Author's Note: In this piece I take a look at the pessimistic side of wintry weather here in Wisconsin.  Try to imagine yourself sitting with me in the passenger's seat during my journey to Chicago.  

The traffic on I-94 was moving at a snail’s pace for over an hour and a half.  I knew I was going to be late for my meeting in Chicago, but there was nothing I could do.  I already left for work an hour and a half early, at 5:00 am, instead of the usual 6:30 am departure time. I had prepared for the “big snow” the forecasters had predicted.  John Milan said on his weather cast the night before that, “Winds will be blustery, often reaching speeds of 15 to 25 miles per hour; snow will fall at a pace of 2 to 2.5 inches per hour, with temperatures hovering around 29 degrees.” I left early, my car was fully gassed-up and I wasn’t going to let bad drivers upset me. Already we had five inches of wet, sloppy snow on the roads which made them as glossy as a skating rink, and this as just the morning rush hour! It was going to snow all day, or so they said. This was nothing new for Wisconsinites.  We are supposed to be accustomed to this kind of weather, yet too many treat snow-storms like they are newborns first tasting something tart.  They get that sour-apple look on their faces and then begin the commute process.  Some drive too fast, some drive way too slow, but most just drive like they have never seen snow before in their life, and then panic at the sight of another car or truck.  I knew that this trip would be slow, so I just sat back, turned up the radio and had another sip of coffee, knowing that eventually I would get to work. 

And the Ideal Side of Wintry Weather

Author's Note: Take note of the semantic devices and figurative language used within this creative, yet reflective piece. I actually spent nine days in 1987 skiing the various resorts in Colorado, with many great memories etched into my brain forever. 

Standing at the top of the ski run at Snowmass Mountain, with my ski tips pointing downward, I knew it was the one place in all the world where I was at peace.  The crisp, cold morning air that was biting at my nose was filled with billions of snowflakes which were gently falling to the ground like tiny parachutes, adding to the already feet of snow that had come this winter season. The dead silence of the morning was barely interrupted by the sometimes haunting sound of the wind rushing through the pine trees. At this time of the morning, the golden sun is just peaking over the top of the eastern horizon, creating a painting like those found in the great art galleries of the world.  For miles and miles, all you can see are “snow capped” mountains, some with their peaks hidden from view by the low-lying clouds.  Dotting those peaks were tall evergreen trees, which looked like soldiers standing guard at the gates of heaven. While I stood atop the peak at the beginning of the “diamond run”, sipping my “morning cup of Joe”, I was not sure what I was going to do the rest of the day, nor did I really care what the plans might be, but I knew that if I did nothing else today, I would be OK with that plan!