Jimmy V....

Jimmy V....what a moment he was in! Upset victory that will last forever in college basketball history.
Most of us are familiar with his famous speech at the ESPY's from 1993 - while suffering from cancer he repeatedly pushed us not to give up, never give up. Cancer never affected his mind, his heart or his soul. As I watched the ESPYs this year, I thought about some of his other words of inspiration from that speech.

1. Always remember where you came from.
From many walks of life, it all started somewhere. Whether it be rich or poor, easy or hard, nuclear or dysfunctional, loving or lonely, peaceful or violent....we all have a beginning. He insisted on remembering friends, family, neighborhood, etc....from his childhood. Learning values, traditions and other things that helped mold him. We have all experienced the same - but do we hold on to them? Stay grounded....remember where you came from....

2. Know where you are today.
Job, family, friends, responsibilities, volunteering, mentoring, health, children, bills, reading....how are we spending our "today"? Helping only ourselves, or others too? Building for tomorrow? Enjoy the moments we are in each day? Smells? Sounds? Tastes? Sights? Touches? He always said each day you should think, laugh and cry....

3. Know where you want to be tomorrow.
Goals? Aspirations? Plans? Not only keep lists for things to do today, but also next month, next year, etc....short term and long term. Plan for tomorrow, today. Visualize where you want to be, things you want to do....and start working your way there, today.


Admittedly, it is hard to remember the past or prepare for the future when we are so bombarded with day-to-day expectations, worries, accountabilities and responsibilites. Time, it is necessary to make time for these thoughts. Write them down, tell your story, map your direction in life - others may find it interesting one day.

What do think?