My sister gave me a great book - its called Dont Give Up, Dont Give In. Its by Louie Zamperini of Unbroken fame. In addition to every other amazing thing he did, he was was an Olympic track star. He talks a bit about athletics, and how back in the day, the emphasis was on ones honor, even more than it was on the actual win. A dear friend and I were talking about this subject tonight, and it reminded me of these quotes. They inspire me! I love reading things that instill in you the desire to be better than you are. :) I always knew that eventually Id lose a race. Id gone undefeated for three and a half years, but it was inevitable that one day I would not cross the finish line first. When the time came, I was determined to do it right. I wanted to lose cheerfully, so I congratulated Bright honestly. I put my arm around him and said, That was a brilliant race, and you deserved to win. I had a smile on my face. His mother and father stood there with their mouths open. Then his mother hugged me. Thats the way it should be. If you give everything and you lose, so what? Its not going to put you in your grave. I walked away knowing I could handle defeat gracefully, and I had more self-esteem from that than from winning the race. Glenn Cunningham was my hero. Id read the story of how hed been burned as a child. Much of the flesh on his knees and shins was gone, he also lost all the toes on his left foot. Cunningham epitomized resilience and resolve. He massaged his legs and stimulated blood flow. He endured physical therapy and willed himself to stand and then walk. Soon he began to run. I dont know how he did it, but he was my inspiration. His perseverance made me realize that if I was willing to make the effort and sacrifices, I could be a champion too. He was also a decent man. I once raced against him at an indoor meet. I came up behind him and although I was in better shape, I wouldnt pass him. Out of respect. Louie, you damn fool, he said. Run! So, reluctantly, I did. Positive self-esteem must be preceeded by self-respect. To get self-respect you have to do something good.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 01:40:52 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015