Take a Second to Think

I was set post tonight about business or stocks or the troubles we face as young, hungry professionals when I was stopped in my tracks by the TV as I was on my way to the shower. I had just finished watching Syracuse play Oklahoma State on ESPN. They were between games and they were showing the speech given by Jimmy Valvano at the 1993 ESPY awards after receiving the Authur Ashe award. I must say that is one of only two speeches that will make me stop whatever it is I am doing and watch the entire thing (the second being Lou Gerhig's "I am the luckiest man" speech). I question any person with a soul not to shed a tear or two by the conclusion of that speech. The man needed assistance to get to the microphone and needed assistance to get down from the microphone (helped by Duke's Coach K by the way), but what happened in between the two was one of the most passionate, inspired speeches ever. He talked of having passion for every day. I think that is something all of us do not do enough of. Jimmy V said every single day we need to Laugh and we need to cry, to experience all that life has to offer. I encourage all who read this to look up the speech, I am sure it is on Youtube somewhere, and really listen. We have politicians all over the world think they are instilling positive ideals with speeches about pride and dominance but for my money, this is what ideals are there for.