6/28/14

“Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary.” I was thinking that many of us at some time try to do things so that we can be “different” or “one of a kind”. Think about it this way! Other than some basic genetic and anthropologic similarities, we are already at the outset of our lives “different”, “one of a kind”, and unique. That is a fabulous start to our lives that must be nurtured so that our individuality is fueled and strengthened. I’m at a loss to explain the mechanism that causes people to confuse cooperation with conformity. While one allows us to actively be a participant in our daily existence for the betterment of ourselves and those around us, the latter jeopardizes our basic makeup and belief structure to succumb to the wills of others which temporary delays or tragically extinguishes our aspirations. I am proud to have known you boys through these years and my admiration comes from your undefinable uniqueness. There are certain inherent aspects of the person inside and outside of you that will affect not only your present and future, but those in your lives now and those who you will come across. As baseball players, you affect your play and that of your team but only by finding what exists even in the distant portals of your physical, mental, and emotional make up will you be a difference-maker. That will apply in life as well! Don’t sit back idly waiting for something to happen or someone else to do it for you when you have the ultimate control on the outcome by maintaining the dedication, effort, work, and recognition that an opportunity is in front of you that requires not only attention, but a prompt response to obtain the rewards offered by that opportunity. Do not accept being “normal” because other than medical measurements, I have no idea what that means! Strive to be “extraordinary” when the circumstances present you with those challenges and not only will the positive outcomes be memorable, you will have the honor to be “remembered” by those lucky enough to have witnessed them!