“Don't give up. Don't ever give up.” is a quote from Jim Valvano's impassioned 1993 ESPY awards show speech. Jim was a very successful basketball coach and broadcaster. He was receiving the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. He was battling cancer and was almost too sick to show up. He did, and he delivered. Then just two short months's later, he passed away.

Like many families, I have had some trying times in my life. My family is going through another one right now. I am fortunate that I constantly try and keep life in perspective and remain as upbeat as possible. My circle is small because I choose to only keep positive people in my life. I lean on them more than they realize.

I'll never forget when I lost my brother, many people reached out to me and implored that I keep training. I did and it was very therapeutic. In the fall I had a very difficult situation for three months and I trained less than a handful of times. In addition, I wasn't conditioning or eating as well as I usually do. Guess what, I struggled mightily.

Not taking care of myself left me broken mentally and physically. The stress and lack of movement manifested in serious issues with my back. I wasn't even lifting and I ended up with three herniated discs and spinal stenosis.

Long story short, during these last couple of difficult weeks, I have been eating well and exercising. Sometimes depression tries to tell you there is no time, however, there usually is. You have to make taking care of yourself a priority even if it's just a little something.

Remember, if you are not good to yourself, you won't be good for anyone else either.

 

 

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