There have been several times in my life that I can recall that “being on top of the world” feeling. It’s funny because it really doesn’t take much to get there… not a Gold Medal or money, or even a marriage proposal. 

Not the things the world tells us we need to get there. 

There are just days when I wake up and I like where my thoughts are. I like the conversations I have with my friends and family. I like my creativity and motivation. I just like where I am. 

I have recently had one of those days. It just so happens it was days after I scored a goal where I nutmegged three players in a row, but trust me when I say that it’s just a coincidence. 

(I really was just trying figure out a way to get that into the blog today, so don’t think too much about it.) 

Anyway, the comfort I find within my thoughts has been a continued theme during my journeys. I have time to sit and think. I have time to evaluate myself, people I’ve met, things I’ve done and places I’ve gone. 

When I do this, I realize that I have more good days than bad days. Even though it doesn’t always seem that way at the time. 

I’ve recently had conversations with people discussing the future. One friend informed me that she was worried about the future. She was worried that it wouldn’t live up to her past. To that I said… “what’s the point of waking up then?” 

She replied with what most people say when I give them advice… “you’re so right”. 

Here’s the thing. None of us have any idea what tomorrow brings. Yeah, duh. We don’t see into the future. Nor should we. The fact that each day will bring us something new, something that could potentially be better than the day before, is reason enough to wake up motivated… to wake up recharged and alive. 

Many of us, myself included, have had kick-ass pasts. It’s hard to go through high school, college and your early 20s without doing everything you think you should have done. Which usually were things that you definitely shouldn’t have done. But looking back, you’re so glad you did them. 

But that was one time in your life. You can’t replicate that time. The next part of your life is going to be different, but still amazing, if you make it that way. How can you make it that way?

Here’s my advice: 

Stay young at heart. Be confident in your actions and your thoughts. Don’t let other people’s lives dictate your progress. Some people move slow, some people move fast. Move at your pace. Find people that make you better.. that are worth waking up for. Find a job that makes you think and challenges you. And when fun things come up, don’t turn them down. Your work will be there in the morning.

The opportunity to make your past kick-ass might not be. 

I know I’m still young and have a lot to learn, but I think there will be people who read my blog who can relate. If you think it’s difficult to make your future better than your past, you’re not alone. I don’t necessarily think it’s an easy task, but I think it’s a challenge.  And that challenge is what gets me out of bed every morning. I need to know that I can make life what I want it to be. Or at least, I need to try to. 

I’m only a failure if I don’t try. 

On a side note: thanks to everyone who has challenged me to be better. You can’t challenge someone to be better without believing that they can be. So, thank you.