Perhaps you’re aware of the almost unbelievable story of Lance
Armstrong. Recent news of a supposed doping scandal washes away the mystique of
his once shinning accomplishments. What he seemed to accomplish in winning
seven consecutive Tour De France cycling races was an inspiration to millions
of people. After his exposure as a cheat, not only do his accomplishments seem
tainted, but so does the inspiration he ignited in those who followed and
supported him. Sadly, cheating is not exclusive to Team Armstrong. Apparently
he did it the best, until he got caught, but there is an culture of
cheating in many professional sports, not just cycling. So what do we do with
this information? How can we look to heroes for inspiration when those heroes
are frauds?
Hopefully we all have at least one person we can look up to and admire.
They don’t necessarily have to be heroes, but if they are honorable,
trustworthy, loyal, ethical, moral, the list goes on actually, but if they are positive
role models, their contribution to your life can be astoundingly positive. You
can use them as character examples and emulate their virtue. This person can be
a teacher, parent, friend, boss, relative, neighbor; good people come without
titles. Learning to recognize them is a bit difficult sometimes, but you can if
you try. I’ve had people in my life that I’ve always admired and I’m glad for
their presence. Other people are less fortunate in that they haven’t been
exposed to quality people. That doesn’t mean the virtues I spoke of earlier are
inaccessible to them. No. In fact, even if you don’t have honorable people in
your life, it’s still possible to acquire those values that lead to a positive,
successful life.
You are the single greatest ally in your life. Ridiculous? No, it’s
true. As cliché as it may sound, every choice and action you commit to is
yours. You will most undoubtedly be influenced by those around you, your
environment, experience and the like, but ultimately it comes down to you.
There was a time in my life when everything was terrible. Seriously. I had nothing
to look forward to, I was miserable, stuck in a situation with negativity and
abusiveness surrounding my daily life. Loneliness and despair crept in and eventually
I ended up alone out on the street, without even a tormentor to keep me
company. And I’ll tell you, it’s exactly what I needed. I realized I was the
driver of my life. If I made good decisions and followed through on them, good
things would happen. I’ve stuck to that and wouldn’t you know it, my life is
pretty good. It’s not perfect mind you, but I’m light years ahead of where I
was.
Everyone’s experience is different. It won’t be easy. In fact, it may
seem impossible, but it’s not. If you need help, find it. Asking questions and
seeking information are two great ways to get started. Don’t live another day
in misery. Think about it, if you do nothing different, in five years you’ll be
in the exact same situation, only it will be five years worse. Don’t let that
happen. The struggle for a good life is better than apathy in a miserable one.
Don’t give up!
Marvel superheroes, especially the Hulk and Spiderman have been personal favorites of my since I was a kid. Check them out at Marvel.
Thanks for reading. Comments and questions are always welcome.
