Over the past few years, I have documented my experiences in effort to have a written trail of this incredible journey I've been on. This entire blog has been therupeutic and fun, but it goes beyond just that.I've been able to show, in writing, how I've felt in different stanzas of my life. I've displayed a mixture of emotion, some positive and some negative.
It goes without saying that the injury I sustained three years ago should have taken my life and my baseball career. I fully realize how blessed and fortunate I am.
As I begged the surgeons not put me into emergency surgery that July night, never did I think that three years later I would have the same ambitions I had prior to 2009. I always hoped that I would find it, but it was nothing more than hope. I was desperate to hold onto something and it was hope that gave me something to fight for.
There are alot of parallels between this year and in 2009; so many similarities that I have to shake my head as to its irony. I know many players involved in professional sports have their own types of inspirational stories, and I really don't consider my story any better or worse than theirs.
Life is a constant struggle and I believe that in order to be successful in life, you must not be afraid of taking a chance. That's really the beauty of sports, though. They allow you to take a chance on yourself and your dreams. Whether or not your ultimate goal actually happens, it is the journey that took you there that means the most.
With that thought, I'm going to go back in history a little.
Almost two years ago, I did a short blog on the story of Jimmy Valvano. I remember listening to his speech so many times as a kid, but it didn't sink in until I wanted to give up myself. When I heard Valvano say you need to know where you are and where you want to go, it all made sense. It helped me evaluate about what priorities I needed to make in my life and what things I needed to do to help me find happiness again.
The entry can be viewed here.
I think a lot about winning a championship. The thrill of what it feels like to win the big game.
I've never hoisted a championship trophy or been in a dogpile after clinching a title. It's weird to have played baseball for as many years that I have and never win a real title. I've won championships while in little league, but nothing more than a league title or a district championship.
While in high school and Australia, I did feel what playing in a championship game was like. In both of those contests, my team should have walked away with a title but each game ultimately ended in dissapointment. So because of that, I know what it feels like to be on the other side of a championship. The thrill of getting there is great, but coming up short is not an easy thing to swallow either.
The last feeling came in 2010, when I lost in the VBL finals with Essendon. That video can be seen here.
I don't know why in particular, but I've had a feeling from the beginning that things could be different this year. I'm holding onto that as I train everyday. A championship is something my journey needs; one that makes all of the sacrifices I've made feel real.
I'll leave you with a word from Peter, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6 -7)
God Bless.
Life is a constant struggle and I believe that in order to be successful in life, you must not be afraid of taking a chance. That's really the beauty of sports, though. They allow you to take a chance on yourself and your dreams. Whether or not your ultimate goal actually happens, it is the journey that took you there that means the most.
With that thought, I'm going to go back in history a little.
Almost two years ago, I did a short blog on the story of Jimmy Valvano. I remember listening to his speech so many times as a kid, but it didn't sink in until I wanted to give up myself. When I heard Valvano say you need to know where you are and where you want to go, it all made sense. It helped me evaluate about what priorities I needed to make in my life and what things I needed to do to help me find happiness again.
The entry can be viewed here.
I think a lot about winning a championship. The thrill of what it feels like to win the big game.
I've never hoisted a championship trophy or been in a dogpile after clinching a title. It's weird to have played baseball for as many years that I have and never win a real title. I've won championships while in little league, but nothing more than a league title or a district championship.
While in high school and Australia, I did feel what playing in a championship game was like. In both of those contests, my team should have walked away with a title but each game ultimately ended in dissapointment. So because of that, I know what it feels like to be on the other side of a championship. The thrill of getting there is great, but coming up short is not an easy thing to swallow either.
The last feeling came in 2010, when I lost in the VBL finals with Essendon. That video can be seen here.
I don't know why in particular, but I've had a feeling from the beginning that things could be different this year. I'm holding onto that as I train everyday. A championship is something my journey needs; one that makes all of the sacrifices I've made feel real.
I'll leave you with a word from Peter, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6 -7)
God Bless.
