elitefts™ Sunday Edition
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
-Albert Camus
Before you read this or just flick to the video at the bottom, I want you to go grab a pen and paper. I’m being serious. Go get it. I can wait. One of my modules for school this year required me to make a video about issues in sport. For me, this was an obvious choice. Strength sports are something I’ve fallen for. The video below is my creative side trying to express that, and I hope people enjoy it. I don’t consider myself a powerlifter, strongman, or Olympic weightlifter. I’m just a lover of self-improvement and getting stronger. What came out of this, however, was that being strong extends way beyond a barbell, Prowler®, or atlas stone. Stuff I’ve learned while training has applied to other aspects of my life and, more importantly, it puts life into perspective. Now, with your piece of paper I want you to write down the five most precious things in your life. Just five things—people, experiences, or objects that have or continue to make your life better. Once you’ve done it, I want you to stare at them and imagine what your life would be like without them. I’m guessing most of them will be friends, family, training, life-changing experiences, and your health, right?
Well, for some kids and their families, these are things they don’t have the luxury of having. The shit me and you take for granted is what others long for. I believe that very few things in life can be more important or more deserving than giving a seriously ill child the chance to have his or her wish come true—with all the hope, expectation, and happiness that brings.
For many families, a Make-A-Wish™ memory can be the last happy memory they have of their child having fun and being surrounded by loved ones. Rather than reflecting on the memories of painful treatments and hospitalizations, they will instead have a better memory—the memory of their child laughing and enjoying being a fireman or princess for the day or of meeting a favorite celebrity. In years to come, the family can look back and remember that special time. Every dollar, pound, yen, or euro counts. So make a donation. The impact for you might be missing a meal today or having to walk somewhere instead of drive. But for someone else, it could be his or her last positive memory of his or her son or daughter. There is a link at the bottom of this article to contribute to my donation page. I don’t care if you use it or just go buy a homeless dude a sandwich and coffee, but go do something for someone with less than you. Now, that list you just made—keep it and put it in your wallet, cupboard, or drawer. Any time you feel shitty or feel that life isn’t fair, I want you to pull that thing out and see how many of those items you still have left. Count each one and be grateful. Even when some of those people, places, or experiences are gone, they will still be a part of who you are. Remember that most people will never have some of the things you’ve had. Be grateful every day for what you have and strive to be something greater. I believe in a better you. Go show the world you do too.
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