Ten Challenges

"There may be more to learn by climbing the same mountain a hundred times than by climbing a hundred different mountains." -Richard Nelson

Often times I hear people say I just don't seem like I am making any changes in my life...I go two steps forward and then three steps back...and I don't seem to be going anywhere. I like this quote because I believe that many of us climb the same mountain (deal with a push-pull effect) for a variety of reasons. Just like the quote says...there is more to be learned before reaching the top and succeeding. 

But, it is safe to say that each time you climb, you are making tremendous progress and you are getting stronger from each climb, more than you know...it is okay that you continue to climb the same mountain. Just don't give up, keep climbing, keep learning, and keep getting stronger. Don't give up on that mountain that is giving you so much back. It is allowing you to see yourself in good times and in bad times, it is challenging you, it is teaching you, and most importantly, it is shaping you into a strong and dedicated person.

The title of this blog is ten challenges. I would like for you to write down the ten most challenging things in your life. Ten things that may be preventing you from reaching your goals. For example, say that you are struggling with getting your cardio in each week. And you know that this may be one thing that may be preventing you from losing weight or acheiving your goal. It is obvious then that this would be one of your ten challenges.

Now, this is your challenge game and you can make it as challenging and as detailed as possible. For instance, some of you may just write down...DO A 60-MINUTE CARDIO SESSION. Others may write, DO A 60-MIN CARDIO SESSION AND BURN 1200 CALORIES. Again, be as creative and as detailed as possible. Make it fun and worthwhile. 

The only rule I ask of you is to write all your challenges down on paper...put them in a container...AND HAVE SOMEONE WHO CARES ABOUT YOU AND LOVES YOU DRAW YOUR CHALLENGE FOR YOU. If you choose the right person, they will encourage you and hopefully make sure that you fulfill that challenge. You may choose ten different people each time or you may stick with the same person...that is all up to you. Some of you may choose to have someone draw a challenge for you each day, while others may choose to do one challenge each week. That is also up to you. 

Again, be creative and really challenge yourself. It is little challenging games like this that will help you reach your goals faster. As well as teach you the meaning of...what truly lives inside you and what you can overcome!

I BELIEVE IN ALL OF YOU! GO FOR IT!

Know True Love And True Peace

The MIND- what a powerful tool, but yet a tool that has the power to work against you. The more and more I experience and the more and more I read...the more the message is about trying to have a MIND that is attached to nothing. Your attachments could be leading you in the wrong direction and could be the source of many of your problems. For instance, the NEED to be right, to POSSESS someone or something, to WIN at all costs, to be VIEWED by others as superior...these are all attachments that may seem to be okay on the surface but problematic within.

It is important to understand that in order to release attachments, you must make a shift in HOW YOU VIEW YOURSELF. For example, if your primary identification is with your body and your possessions, your ego is the dominant force in your life. Now this is where it is important...if you can tame your ego sufficiently, you'll call upon your spirit to be the guiding force in your life. As a spiritual being, you can observe your body and be a compassionate witness to your existence. Read the next paragraph and embrace the thought process.

If you think peaceful thoughts, you'll feel peaceful emotions, and that's what you'll bring to every life situation. If your attached to being right or absolutely need something in order to be at peace or to be successful, you'll live a life of striving yet never arriving.

Now understand, it is possible to have a burning desire yet not have attachments. "Infinite patience produces immediate results." Understand that infinite patience implies an absolute certainty that what you would like to manifest will indeed show up, in perfect order, and exactly on time. The immediate result you receive from this inner knowing is a sense of peace.

So say you have been given a choice between TWO MAGIC WANDS. The first wand gives you the power to have any physical thing you desire (guarantee of stuff) by simply waving it. The second wand gives you a sense of peace for the rest of your life regardless of what circumstances arise.

I want you to really take a moment and think about which wand you would choose. This is not a trick question, just be honest with yourself. Remember, there is no wrong answer...this question is just giving you an outlook on every possibility. Like I said there is no wrong answer, but the difference between the two magic wands is that the second wand simply allows you to have a mind that is open to everything but attached to nothing. It allows you to let it all come and go as it will. It is important that you enjoy it all (everything around you), but never make your happiness or success DEPENDENT on an attachment to any thing, any place, and particularly, any person.

They say that in all your relationships, if you can love someone enough to allow them to be exactly what they choose to be-without any expectations or attachments from you- YOU WILL KNOW TRUE PEACE IN YOUR LIFETIME. TRUE LOVE means you love a person for WHAT THEY ARE, NOT FOR  WHAT YOU THINK THEY SHOULD BE....and this is AN ABSENCE OF ATTACHMENT!

Dyer, Wayne. Secrets for Success &  Inner Peace. ppgs. 14-17.

THE STRENGTH OF FORGIVENESS

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

-Mohandas Gandhi

In the past, I have read several books that state that many of the PHYSICAL aches and pains we carry around with us have their roots in the past. Many of us tend to carry this extra weight around (negative situations/ experiences that occurred in the past), right into our present situations. This extra baggage can affect the way we think and act...and it is FORGIVENESS that has become a "HOT NEW WAY" to manage anger, cut stress, and improve HEALTH. 

Research shows that forgiveness can reduce chronic back pain, decrease stress by up to 50 percent, increase energy, and improve mood, sleep, and overall physical vitality.

It is also important to take care of your past with something deeper than relief from physical symptoms. FORGIVING someone for something that occurred in the past does not mean what they did was okay, but instead it means to stop feeling victimized and stop making others responsible for our lives. You must take RESPONSIBILITY and never give anyone the power to determine your HAPPINESS.

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover the prisoner was YOU!"

-Susan Brandis Slavin

Hawthorne, J. (2007) Life Lessons. p. 233-235

Where Does Your Inspiration Come From

It can be very difficult to stay motivated due to obstacles and challenges you face each and every day....UNFORTUNATELY, THAT IS HOW LIFE WORKS! But, YOU must believe that you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle or challenge.

Look around you...there is inspiration and motivation all around you. You must be able to recognize it and apply it to your life. People come in and out of our life everyday....some stay for awhile, while others are there for a short time. Try to learn from others and through your experiences (good and bad). Each experience, relationship, and challenge will shape you and push  you to get motivated or inspire you to overcome difficulties.

You will come across people that have overcome seemingly impossible difficulties, people who follow their dreams into uncharted territory, people who rise to incredible heights of achievement and success.

Everyone has a story and EVERYONE has overcome something. Tell your story and always be yourself...you get INSPIRATION from one person and then you are an inspiration to another person. It is quite a fascinating pattern.

Never stop searching for your spiritual fulfillment, creative expression, and deep satisfaction in life.

Follow The Rhythm Within Your Heart

In the book HAPPINESS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS, the author Dennis Prager points out a sure-fire formula for misery: U=I-R, which stands for Unhappiness equals Image-Reality. 

What he means is that the more we have a set idea or image of how something will be, the more we will be disappointed by the reality of what is. For example, we have an image of the way a relationship should be or we have an image of the way our bodies should look like after so many hours in the gym (looking for a different body type from our own), and ours doesn't measure up. 

We have an image of what our lives are supposed to be like by the time we are forty, and we fall short. The more we create an image, the more we get in our way of appreciating what is and the more we set ourselves up for unhappiness.

Do you find yourself falling into this trap? The best way to begin is to recognize it and then change your way of thinking. Life is too short. With honesty, passion and self-respect you can soar beyond the sky. Don't follow what you see, but instead follow the rhythm within your heart. 

Ryan, M.J. Instant Health and Happiness. Pg. 265.

Random Thoughts From My Heart

I just want to share some random thoughts from my heart and I believe they could apply to everyone.

THE PEOPLE THAT ARE THE HARDEST TO LOVE, ARE THE ONES THAT NEED IT THE MOST. Now wait...before you continue reading on. Really think about that statement. Think about how this applies to you and your life. Really think about it and go deep with your thoughts.

I think this is such a true statement and I keep it very close to my spirit...I believe that you must continue to love and to never give up on someone who struggles and is in your life. To me, they are in my life for a reason...and there is meaning behind that reason. Yes, you may find yourself trying and trying and feeling as if you are at a stand still...but in reality, you are giving them small tokens, gifts of hope, faith, and love. So never give up on them..keep fighting because I believe that it becomes a life experience for them but also for YOU. I think that when things are tough and challenging (and this applies to everything in your life), you find a way to make it happen. You do whatever it takes to see it through. I believe that you discover what truly is inside you...what you are able to provide for someone...but most importantly living with a true HEART! We shouldn't take for granted what we are capable of giving others...EVERYONE HAS THIS GIFT. YOU MUST FIND IT WITHIN.

FINDING ANSWERS WITHIN. We all hold the key...our key. We must look within ourselves to solve issues in our everyday life. Have faith with what is inside you and don't take for granted what you can do. We should never stop discovering what we are, what we can do, and where we can go. Each experience (good or bad) is a stepping stone for discovering our true self.

YOUR JOURNEY is your ticket...you are never sure what you will find. Just have the faith and the strength to never stop moving forward. A journey is what brings us happiness...not the destination.

Make every move about the move...LIVE FOR THE MOMENT. Each moment must be cherished and not taken for granted. Each moment is now...each moment is POWERFUL! 

So I Ask You These Powerful Questions:
WHERE ARE YOU? Answer is HERE.
WHAT ARE YOU? Answer is THIS MOMENT!

Smile Now Cry Later

SMILE NOW CRY LATER… 

Smile- To Act Happy When Everyone Is Around You.

Cry- When You Are All Alone.

Smile- To Put On A Brave Face Each And Every Day.

Cry- It Hurts So Bad...Deep Inside Nobody Knows.

Smile- You Are Trying To Do The Best You Can And You Are Not Giving Up.

Cry- To Have To Fight Day In And Day Out.

Smile- To Have Positive Thoughts For The First Time In A Long Time.

Cry- It Is Still Too Hard To See With All This Pain Deep Within You.

Smile Now Cry Later…Is What Life Is All About. Holding onto life tightly and afraid to let go. Life is short and is full of grief and pain. To put a smiling face on and face what needs to be done and at the same time face your truth- the battle cry and confusion of your unknown. Find out for yourself what is true, so that you are able to face the world with the ability to understand yourself and your purpose in this world.

Pleasure and Pain Exist For The Other. Instead Of Opposites, They Are Complementaries And Each Is A Function Of The Other. If You Had Not Felt Pain, How Can You Distinguish Pleasure?

To Be Whole, Let Yourself Break. To Expand, You Must Shrink. To Strengthen, You Must First Weaken. To Raise Up, You Must Be Knocked Down. You Win By Losing. You Lose By Winning. You Smile By Crying. You Cry By Smiling. 

STAY STRONG!!!

The Most Valuable Lesson

I can not stress the concept of practice...the more you practice the better you get. I am a big believer of practice and want to share this story with you. I hope that you discover the meaning behind it and apply it to your own journey.

John Erskine learned the most valuable lesson of his life when he was only fourteen years old. His piano teacher asked him, "How many times a week do you practice, and how long do you practice each time?"

He told her that he tried to practice once daily for an hour or more.

"Don't do that," she responded. "When you grow up, time won't come in long stretches. Practice in minutes, whenever you can find them-five or ten before school, after lunch, between chores. Spread your practice throughout the day, and music will become a part of your life."

Her advice obviously worked. Erskine became a concert pianist who performed with the New York Philharmonic, and he later served as president of the Julliard School of Music and director of the Metropolitan Opera Association. He also went on to teach literature at Columbia University and wrote more than forty-five books. His most famous work, The Private Life of Helen of Troy, was written as he commuted to Columbia.

Maxwell, John C. Success One Day At A Time. Pg. 73.

The CORE Message

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR:

IF YOU WANT TO GET STRONGER IN OTHER LIFTS AND STAY INJURED-FREE, DEVELOP YOUR ABS!

Find The Slogan That Fits

Whenever I am going through a hard place, I like to tape an inspiring quote on my computer to cheer me up or remind me of something I tend to forget when in the doldrums. For months, when I was feeling stuck at work, I used a Henry Miller quote: "Life is constantly providing us with new funds, new resources, even when we are reduced to immobility. In life's ledger there is no such thing as frozen assets." When you are feeling stuck, look at Miller's words, and find your spirit lifting as you have imagined life working behind the scenes on your behalf, making things happen to change the circumstances.

Another cool slogan is from Dawna Markova: "Wherever you are is meaningful and the beginning of something else." So give it a try and find a slogan-but it has to be something that has meaning for you. There are a gazillion quotation books, or check out some quote sites on the Internet.

Ryan, M.J. Instant Health and Happiness. Pg. 68.

Create A Mission Statement

In recent years, companies have created mission statements to create alignment among employees, to create a sense of higher purpose for the company's activities, and existence. Today, I am suggesting that you give some thought to creating your own personal mission statement.

Often we are unhappy because we get caught up in the swirl of daily life and have no sense of why we're doing what we're doing. We're on a treadmill, going 'round and 'round, having lost any sense of where we're going. That's why creating a mission statement is so powerful. It is an articulation of what you are doing and helps you see beyond the grind to the deeper purpose of your life. It can help you make changes when you see that your life is not in alignment with your deeper purpose.
Here's an example: My mission is to live my values as much as possible, so there is no discrepancy between my espoused belief and my behavior.

Take a few minutes right now to articulate your mission. Then paste it where you can see it and LIVE BY IT THE BEST YOU CAN!

Ryan, M.J. Instant Health and Happiness. Pg. 250. Love you Mom! ;)

Your Action Plan To Nutrition Part 1

You must understand that when you are designing your action plan to nutrition it must apply to you as an individual. Everyone is built differently...some can eat all the carbs in the world and not gain a pound, while others have to watch their carb intake because they will put on an extreme amount of weight. You have the differences in gender, genetic make-up, etc. This list goes on and on. Nutrition and your body are like a science project. You must understand what foods help you and what foods don't. It will be a lot of hit and miss. It will require a lot of patience and willpower. Your ultimate goal is for you to understand your body and how it responds to certain foods...BE IN TUNE WITH YOUR BODY!


First, you will need to mentally prepare yourself to be a little more disciplined and determined. For example, you may decide you will stop drinking with your friends on the weekends for the next six weeks. Again, understand that you want to build a foundation and you will need time to jump start your plan and your body. Don't expect a quick fix, BUT expect a tremendous change/outlook/results when you go for the long haul. Begin your plan motivated and ready to take the challenge.


Next, a good motivator is to assess where you are starting from by taking your measurements and/or taking some pictures of yourself. I think this is a good idea BUT should not be the main focus of your plan. Your numbers will serve as a guide, not a goal. Remember, you are designing a nutrition plan that fits your fitness needs and goals. This isn't a 4 week plan...this is a LIFESTYLE CHANGE. I think it is great when a person reaches their nutrition goals, BUT I think it is even greater when a person can MAINTAIN their nutrition goals. Do not be obsessed with the scale and do not weigh yourself everyday. The best way to know if you are losing weight, inches, and body fat is by the way your clothes fit and the way you look in the mirror.


You want to find ways to stick to your plan and STAY MOTIVATED. One way is to hang a pair of jeans or a shirt that don't quite fit in front of your closet. It will be a daily reminder for you to stay focused and motivated. Another way is to hang a picture of a realistic body type on your fridge or in your bathroom. Again, you want to be creative. This is FOR YOU! Make it fun and find new and exciting ways to motivate yourself. YOU ARE IN CONTROL!


I want you to take the information I have given you so far and reflect on it. Get excited about your journey into the world of nutrition. I believe that you must want it and must be focused to take control of your nutrition. You can do anything you set your mind to..YOU MUST BELIEVE IN THAT. Like I have said before, IT WON'T BE EASY...BUT IF IT WAS EASY EVERYONE WOULD BE DOING IT. ONLY THE STRONG WILL GO THE DISTANCE! BE ON THE STRONG SIDE AND CREATE YOUR OWN PATH.

Your A-Z Plan

All my life I have lived for the challenge. The challenge of competing and being the best I could be. I like to often think about things I used to do to prepare for a basketball game, a swimming meet, or a dance competition. My rituals, things that helped and made me want to push harder, my superstitions...

I believe that it is important that you incorporate a set of rituals and things to keep you striving at a intense fitness level. As a trainer, I often see clients fight and fight to reach their goals in the initial stages of their fitness plan. Then I see a completely different person. 

They fought so hard to get to that point but then stop because they accomplished their initial goal. Instead, they should continue to set goals to now maintain the accomplishments they made. I believe one of the hardest parts in training/fitness is maintaining the level that you have been able to get to. You must find ways to keep yourself motivated, must eat right so you have the energy to perform, must change your outlook on exercise...it now becomes your lifestyle.

Here are a a couple of ideas to try and live by...hopefully they will keep you motivated and pushing through tough limits. Believe in what you can do and where you can go. This is your life...make the most of it.

A...AMP IT UP! Odds are, you're using less weight than you need to reshape your body. Researchers at Grand Valley State University asked frequent exercises to pick a weight to lift, all of them chose ones that were lighter than what they could really handle. Challenge yourself people...pick a weight that fully fatigues your target muscles. You will be happy that you did. Your body is most likely to respond with this intense work you are putting on your muscles. If you don't have good form or feeling other muscles compesate for the target muscle, then drop your weight. The bottom line is push yourself. Challenge your muscles. Make it burn!

B...BREATHE FIRST! I am finding that many of my clients are having difficulty breathing during their exercises. It is important that you have a breathing pattern that works for you. Think about exhaling on the motion being performed. Also, before doing your first repetition of any strength exercise, "set" your core muscles by exhaling as you lightly tighten your abs. This contracts your transverse abdominus (the deep core muscle that stabilizes your spine) and improves your posture. But at the same time, you are being able to breathe through each repetition to help your body control movements and increase endurance.

C...CLOSE YOUR EYES! Shutting your eyes as you lift and lower weights can help you tune in to which muscles are working while eliminating distractions. Make sure that you only perform this technique when you are doing sitting exercises suchas lat pull-downs or hamstring curls.

D...DIVIDE AND CONQUER! If possible, try to split up your workout in two. Doing cardio in the morning on an empty stomach and your weights in the afternoon. You will burn more calories when splitting your workouts and by dividing your routine, you won't hit that 'energy lull' that many people get midway through their workout." More energy means you'll be able to work harder.

E...EAT AFTER EXERCISE! I can not stress this enough. What you eat after a workout can make a big difference to your long-term success. Just eating something period has a huge effect on your results. Researchers at the University of North Texas found that subjects who had a snack that included carbohydrates and protein immediately after exercise were able to work out 55 percent longer in their next session, compared with those who only ate carbs. Also, by eating something you are restoring and replinishing your body. Helping your body to recover from the intense workout that you did. Also, preserving your muscle has a huge effect on your post-workout meal. Choose a post-workout meal that contains about 200 calories, such as fruit, and low-fat yogurt or whole-wheat pita or protein smoothie.

F...FILL YOUR FISTS! Hold a tennis ball in each hand when doing crunches and place your fists by your ears. As you crunch, squeeze the balls to contract the muscles in your arms-which, in turn, also contracts your abs. Believe it or not, you'll be less likely to use momentum to help you.

G...GRIN AS YOU RUN! A grueling workout like a hard run can leave you clenching your jaw, causing your neck muscles to tighten and your shoulders to lift, which compromises your workout. Try putting on a serene grin when you are working out, this makes it difficult to tighten your jaw. Plus, you will get an instant psychological boost-which will help you put a spring into your step.

H...HARDEST-DAY RULE! Set aside some time to exercise for YOURSELF. Go hard and push your limits. Challenge yourself! But most importantly, set aside some time for yourself to workout and feel good.

I...IPOD YOUR WORKOUTS! Listening to your tunes during exercising can actually help you burn more calories. Researchers found that subjects who listened to music while walking went an average of 24 percent farther.

J...JUMP FROM MACHINE TO MACHINE! To maximize fat burning, rotate between various types of cardio machines (stationary bike, treadmill, stairclimber) every 10 minutes. Spend the first 2 minutes on each minute warming up at a moderate effort level, then increase your intensity for the next 7 minutes before going all for the final minute. By changing modes, you're able to maintain intensity longer or even increase it while also engaging different muscle groups.

K...KEEP IT FRESH! Training with someone who shares similar interests. You can share different concepts/techniques with each other and you can help your body from reaching a plateau. Plus, when your train with someone, it helps you be accountable for each workout.

L...Loosen Your Grip! Tightly holding weights can fatigue the small muscles of your hands and forearms so target muscles like your biceps or shoulders won't get a full workout. Grip the weight firmly but not so tightly that your knuckles turn white.

M...MINI GOALS! Focus on small goals, like pushing for 5 more minutes on the treadmill, and you'll eventually reach big ones such as losing 20 pounds.

N...NO SITTING! Change it up sometimes and do some of your seated moves like shoulder presses standing up and you'll be able to lift at least 20 percent more weight. Standing also forces your body to use more secondary muscles for stability, which can burn up to 50 percent more calories.

O...ONE LEG AT A TIME! Do lower-body exercises such as leg extensions with one leg at a time. Believe it or not, each leg will work harder when you do it one at a time, plus you'll keep your heart rate elevated longer. And you won't be able to cheat by favoring your less dominant side, reducing your risk of injury.

P...PLANK POSE WITH BALLS! Sculpt those sexy abs- and improve your overall performance- by none other than strengthening your core. Try this unique move after you have mastered a plank on your forearms on the floor. Lie facedown with your chest on one swiss (stability) ball and your knees and shins on another (keep feet 12 to 15 inches apart). Place your fingers on the floor and hold for 60 seconds.

Q...QUARTER REPS! Do a few mini reps at the end of each weight set by lowering or lifting a quarter of the way from the bottom or top. You will work harder because your muscles are already fatigued, but you will still be able to squeeze in a few extra reps.

R...READ LATER! Reading on the elliptical machine may help pass the time, but IT CAN HAMPER RESULTS. Tilting your head down to look at reading material diminshes your air flow. PLUS, your intensity level is probably lower than it would be if you didn't have to steady your eyes to read. Instead, focus on your form by gazing straight ahead.

S...SHAVE SECONDS! If you rest between exercises, try to take that time you normally rest and use it to work a different muscle group. Exercising opposing muscle groups (example, biceps and triceps or quads and hamstrings) or alternating between upper and lower body moves without rest burn up to 25 percent more calories.

T...THINK IN THREES! More strength moves can be done at least three ways- with free weights, a machine, or resistance bands. Another important tip is that changing the way you approach even the same exercise can suprise your muscles and produce better results.

U...UNLOCK YOUR JOINTS! Don't hyperextend or lock out your knees or elbows during any exercise. This forces you to work harder by keeping your muscles slightly contracted.

V...VARY YOUR ROUTINE! I am a big believer in this philosophy. Variety is key to long-term success and to sticking to any workout routine. Prevent boredom by doing at least one new exercise every week. You will make your workout feel different without disrupting your routine. Every first week of the month, add a new move for your upper body; every second week, try a new lower-body move; every third week, add an ab move; every fourth week, switch to a different type of cardio.

W...WALK OFF WEIGHT! A low impact activity, done daily, may be just as effective as tougher routines at taking off excess body fat. One study found that subjects who participated in "lifestyle activities" like walking at least 30 minutes a day lost as much weight and made greater gains in fitness than those who did higher-intensity aerobic exercise four days a week for 40 minutes a session.

X...X-TREME TRAINING! Try to include one extreme workout per week. These high-intensity workouts will burn calories faster and help you get the results you want faster. Go hard or stay home!

Y...YAWN LESS! Getting enough sleep may keep you from sabotaging your exercise efforts. A study from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that subjects who got little sleep increased their appetite for calorie-dense, high-carb foods like candy, cake, and cookies by 24 percent.

Z...ZEN EXERCISE! Choose stress-busting activities such as Yoga or Pilates to help your long-term weight-loss goals. Stress elevates cortisol levels, which may cause your body to deposit deep abdominal fat. Exercise that reduce stress may lower cortisol levels, so your body stores less fat.

Your Temple...

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own."
-Kurt Vonnegut

Your body is truly your instrument to life, it is your TEMPLE. It is important to truly understand that it is not just what is on the outside, but what lives inside you. Your spirit, mind, and soul...YOUR HEART. All these components work together to shape the person that you are...you must have a relationship with your body and self-respect in order for you body to produce tremendous achievements.

For example, I began playing basketball at an early age. I, of course, loved the sport, but I had a desire to play with everything I had inside me. I wanted to excel and give 100% every time I stepped on the court. These characteristics were never for the glory and rewards (don't get me wrong, it is always nice to be a top player or play on a team that was one of the best in the state)...but it was deeper for me. It was my spirit and my passion to get better, to never give up, and to set goals. I ALWAYS PLAYED WITH MY HEART.

The reason I share this with you is because I feel that when you do things in your life with YOUR HEART, you will excel in everything that is in front of you. Now understand that there may be things that you have to work harder at or be patient with, but I truly believe with HEART anything is POSSIBLE.