Memories

This post comes at a time when my heart is heavy but my drive to MAKE IT COUNT is stronger than any other time in my life. No matter how high we fly in life, no matter how high on the mountain top we seek to motivate, no matter how much positive energy can flow through your body...there will always be times when the harsh events of reality can knock you upside the head.

Without getting into details of recent events I will just say that the evil of cancer has struck across a spectrum of close family and friends recently. Initially it was very difficult and will never get easier but one thing popped into my head that cancer can never strip me of....MEMORIES!!!!

Memories are a powerful tool that when used in the right mindset can set the tone for your present and future self. While I was upset and extremely mad at the moment I heard diagnosis or word hospice it only took one memory to bring me into a state of being calm and having clarity of mind to do whatever was needed for that individual.

While memories can come from a place of negativity at times they can also more often come from a place of motivation, inspiration and growth should you choose to use them in that manner. Time to time negative memories creep into my mindset (no one is perfect) but what I have taught myself is to always think what can I learn from that event. This in exchange turns a negative into a positive. I can thus take a memory of a time when life wasn't working out and apply it to the present moment in an effort to grow stronger.

My main goal as a parent is to always be present in my kids life's. This in exchange gives my kids a memory of dad was always there for us no matter what.

Memories also lead into what I strive for in life...to leave a legacy. When my time comes I want nothing more than my funeral to be a celebration. I want people to rejoice in the memories that I left them with. I want people to say that the world was a better place because Jake was here. All of that wouldn't be possible without the ability for others to have those lasting memories.

While cancer may win or may not win this round what will never be taken away from me is the incredible memories I have of these individuals always being there for me, teaching me extremely valuable lessons at a young age, showing me how to get in trouble and not getting caught (sorry mom) and most of all leaving me with a smile about the good times we had.

Make it your mission tomorrow to leave lasting memories as none of us knows when it will be our time so what other option do you have other than to MAKE IT COUNT!!!

Rainbows

Do you ever see a rainbow and not smile? They are one of a few things in the world that absolutely slow people down and makes them take in the beauty if only for a few seconds. What else in life has this affect on the masses like a rainbow does? Yeah I love to see majestic mountains and they always make me smile but my wife sees them as a hurdle in getting to her piece of the pie which is the beach. When I was a kid we would ride our bikes at a distance trying to find the end of the rainbow in hopes that the old pot of gold would be waiting for us. For some reason though we could never find the end of the rainbow and if we did not sure that leprechaun would have been that friendly anyways.

                                                                                                    

This past year I have grown as a father, friend, husband, professional and individual. I have learned a lot in regards to how the first 40 years of my life has played out. I have had the time to examine the ups and the downs and I can say that I would not trade one thing over this period. The ups during this first couple chapters have been so incredible that I truly have no words and while at times the downs seem sometimes to much to handle they all translate into growth. I have always been a fan of the obstacle is the way mentality and as I get older my belief in that system continues to grow.

While details are not important there was about 5 events in the first 6 months of last year that really tested me.  The “why me” was spoken with a harsh emphasis a few times. However, one event revealed to me how lucky I am and how some events that seemed unforgiving were actually a blessing. It all happened around one single rainbow on one routine day during one of a thousand pictures I take of my ladies. We spotted a rainbow...girls wanted a picture to send mommy...after  I took the picture we looked at it and I realized that all along I have had my pot of gold in my little ladies. 

 Yeah a real pot of gold would be pretty cool to find but it could never replace how much these three girls have helped me grow into the person I have become. They inspire me daily to be the best version of who I am. Every action, word out of my mouth and presentation comes from a deep rooted desire to always be their biggest supporter, fan, hero, mentor, father or what ever you want to call it. My legacy in life all comes down to one simple thing...being the best DAD I can be. Yeah I want people to say he was a great chiropractor, triathlete/runner, husband, friend, educator, motivator or whatever other title people see fit but at the end of the day being the best DAD is my life long goal.

So next time you see a rainbow instead of dreaming about the imaginary pot of gold at the end think of what in your life is your pot of gold. Are there people, events, accomplishments that you are proud of that help drive you to be 1% better each day? While my girls will be at the top of the list I have other rainbows that grew extremely strong in 2015 and which drive me into my next chapter in life with so much excitement, passion and joy.

Wife - I know some people will say what about your wife...my wife knows without a doubt that she is my rock...our 13th year of marriage could easily been a struggle but our love, support and commitment to each other is stronger than ever.

Community - I must say that I am spoiled rotten to live in such a great community in which everyone looks out for each other and the support is sometimes overwhelming. I also through some initial hesitation developed a huge family community bond with an amazing group of people I worked with at Lululemon. I was surrounded by driven people that I had the chance to work with that helped me grow individually and also help mentor along their individual path. 

Family - No family is perfect in life without some occasional dysfunction. The family bond is defined by how strong the bond is after moments of struggle. I can honestly say that my family bond is the strongest its ever been and the future shows nothing to it slowing down.

Education - Time is available for you to choose want you want to do with it. In 2015 I was able to tap into around 100 books covering dozens of topics. My wife would say I was cheating on her with Amazon but the wealth of knowledge that is available to us in today's world is addicting.

Mentor - I was able to finally connect with someone who fully understood me and who I admire and love greatly. He has taught me more than he will ever know and being a part of him publishing a book on his life's journey was a very inspiring process. 

Growth - We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming in twin boys to the family unit this past year. Finally there are boys in the family.

Extended Family - One time period in 2015 that I believe was such a rewarding time was using the simple process of communication to help out the amazing Team Khlo. With everyone's help she was able to raise enough money to acquire a specialized dog that with help with her seizures. To this day I get emotional just thinking about how powerful people can be when we come together to help those that need it. We love you Kim, Kevin and Khloe!!!

Health/Sport - These are one in the same for me as my health (mentally/physically) is geared around what sport or event I am training for. I ran a ton during this time which has played a huge psychological role in my growth as an individual. I had lots of time to think not about what I have done wrong in life, how I would have done something different, how I regretted an action/decision but this time gave me the power to build a solid foundation into the goals, actions and person I wanted to become from that moment on. On a side note I am back to the sport I absolutely love and can't wait to attack triathlon again with a tank full of possibility.

My next chapter starts with Howard County Chiropractic Sport and Rehabilitation. The environment is a perfect fit for me and I can't wait to use the gift of chiropractic to help people achieve their goals. 

My mantra still remains Make It Count!!! Don't ever wait for the perfect moment to start achieving your dreams as no moment is better than right NOW.