Why is it that when we start to find things difficult we hold back? Why is it that when we fault or struggle we hold back? Why is it that when we get injured we hold back? Why do we hold back in life so much? I’ll tell you why, it’s because we doubt ourselves. We doubt our capabilities. We doubt our potential. We doubt our heart and souls. We doubt what we can be and exceed. We hold back  because we are afraid of dusting ourselves off, healing our wounds, and standing tall because we are afraid that we might return right back to where we were at in the first place and that keeps us down. Stop holding back from where you can be and need to go. Holding back is crippling to your heart and soul. Holding back physically cripples you. Holding back keeps you from inspiring others and sharing your story of how you triumphed because you didn’t hold back.  I’ve held back for some time now because of my knee surgery. I’ve held back for some time now because of my Chiari malformati...

In the game of life give yourself chances to be creative and spontaneous without a plan.  Plans are great to keep you focused and headed in the right direction but give chance an opportunity when those plans start falling apart to get you to reevaluate your plans.  When things do not go our way we think of them as errors and even mistakes but in reality, they are actually chances, chances to rewrite your plans.  The chances are that this might be what you need to shake things up in your life. Many of the greatest things that happen in life are by chance and not with a plan. We are always told to plan and leave nothing to chance, but the fact is, chances will always sneak in and surprise us with something different and creative that we could not have planned for. The chances that we get from our plans falling through could be the opportunity you need to be creative and use our imagination. Plan for chances because it's guaranteed they will sneak into your plans.  Chan...

How many thank you's do you serve up a day? Not that it matters, but it does help people know that what they do is meaningful, important, and they are appreciated for it.  I was told one time that I thanked people to much and that I should not do it so often. What?!!!!!! I thank people too much? Is that even possible to thank people to much? No, no, no not in my book. You can never ever ever never thank people to much for what they do.  It’s how you say it not how often you say it that makes the impact. Saying thank you shows appreciation to those around you that do stuff for you and with you.  I can't say thank you enough some days because in every moment and situation I am thankful for the interactions to do things together or do things for others.  Saying thank you not only brings a smile to your face and others, but it helps strengthen relationships in doing things for each other with a happy heart.  I'd rather thank someone a 1,000 times than not acknowledg...

10, 9,... They said count backwards from 10. I didn’t make it past nine. Twelve hours later I opened my eyes (the whole thing took 16 hours). All was blurry, nothing was in focus. I felt heavy, I hurt, I was caged, I had trouble swallowing, and I felt different. Have you ever voluntarily put yourself in a situation where the outcome is not guaranteed, but if you don't, and stay where are at, you progress to being paralyzed or even run the risk of death if you do nothing? This is my story of a second chance at life after my brain surgery and a cost I was willing to take for me, my wife, and my future family (two beautiful amazing kids)! You have a story of a second chance as well with all you have been through.  Let the choices you make in a positive and impactful way cost you everything because the Cost to do nothing is far more expensive. You are worth the cost and so are those you serve around you that need you to make choices. Every day you are going to be presented ...

99% of how I got here has nothing to do with me and has everything to do with those around me. You could say they have been strategically placed on my path at the right place and the right time when I have needed them the most. And I have needed people all my life because without them and their relationships negative or positive I wouldn’t be here where I’m at, at this point in my life. I can tell you right now that the 1% that has not been others, has been me and are the things I can control, and those have been my actions and my words. Leave no mistake, I have said and done some stupid things that have hurt people along my journey, but I’ve learned through relationships that it’s all a work in progress, and when you hurt people, you need to make it right, not for you but for the person’s you’ve hurt. On the other side with my actions and voice, I have been able to serve and support many along my journey. 100% of my life I’ve been given the grace to make mistakes, be real, and...

Why do you fight? Do you get up every morning or go to bed every night and know what you are willing to fight for? Not every fight is the same. Some fights in life last longer than others and some fights you just have to walk away from. Those that you had to walk away from are not because you were not good enough, it just wasn't your time or that fight was not meant to be won by you.  Be fast, be quick, be ready to stand your ground as your fight is not over. The previous fight that you fought will prepare you for the next one. If you get knocked down get back up and help teach others to do the same.  Fight the good fight. Someone is going to need your strength to stand up for them. Someone is going to need you in their corner. Someone is going to need you lead them or help them up when they fall in their fight.  Fight for the weak. Fight for the less fortunate. Fight for the underdog. Fight for love. Fight for hope. Fight for good. Fight for your dreams....

Failure is a degree of potential success. Failure is only that, if no attempt is made for growth. Even at its worst, failure can only catapult success. Many times lack of success can feel like failure. This is when it's a good time to Leverage Failure. The opportunity to grow and build a foundation for success. Opportunity comes from obstacles, barriers, and attempts in failure. You can't be good at everything but in everything there is good to come from it.  Make it a point to stand on form ground, build a strong foundation and stay #RootedInStrengthCA  Let’s roll!