A friend of mine died the other day. I was reading many of the kind words that were said about him, the lives he touched, and how he touched them. The man was a genuine person, that you wanted to call a friend. A stark contrast to another person who died recently. It’s a shame that so many people idolize the wrong element in society. My friend was a rich person, his attitude, actions and his place in our own little world saw to that.
I began thinking, that his accomplishments, not only on the bike, but in his personal life and his professional life were rewarding. They were something that would motivate oneself to do similar. I have been motivated in a similar way. I also feel disappointed that I live in Phoenix, that has none of that character, and would never reward it. I was a bit angry in thinking that geographically there are limitations as to what you can and cant do. Is this realistic in this day and age? Do communities hobble themselves to the point that greatness cant be achieved?
I began thinking that why should I be limited because I live in Phoenix? My personality runs many ways, but for the most part I don’t worry much, much like my friend. He is one to act upon what he can and let the chips fall as they may. In the same sense that to this day, chance meetings, or limited contact with him is far greater than any contact I have ever had in my professional life.
Unfortunately I look at what makes up my community and I see the lacking. The people and the activities that are important to me, the elements, the environment, and what transpires is not really held to a standard. Perhaps it could start with me, holding it to a standard, and for others to see that it is worthwhile to desire more, and expect more. I look on my wall and see awards that I have won, jerseys that I have worn and wonder if it could be more. I wonder what I could be, if I could put a bit more energy into my life. What I could be if I could live past the excuses that bind me. I don’t believe that anyone can say they have put 100% into anything. You ask an Olympic Champion, a marathon winner, or anyone that has accomplished anything of some magnitude, and you will find they could have done better. That achievement is limitless.
