An Ode to Tough Times

I look back at the past five years and honestly believe that everything bad that happened was placed in front of my path to make me better. I’ve faced challenges that have made me question my talent, my abilities, my work ethic, my heart and who I am as a person. In that time, I’ve succeeded — and I’ve failed miserably.

It has been a time of reflection. And anger. I’ve struggled with forgiveness. I’ve learned who my true friends are.

I needed the past five years and the challenges it brought. After my cancer, I sought security. Security is a mirage that can be blown away with the flick of a finger. What I should have been focused on is embracing change. There is nothing more dangerous than a comfort zone. That’s where I planted my flag — and I paid steep price for it.

Build your house on a foundation of stone.

We live in tough times. But tough times require tough people. I now know that I need to put my family first. My wife needs me. My kids need me. Everything else will fall in place. I also need tough personal standards. Hard work and talent are great. But without focus, you get nowhere. So I am working hard on strengthening my will — that’s why I get up at 4 a.m. to crush myself on a football field. I’m relighting the pilot light in my heart. That’s what drives the perseverance required to truly to succeed.

I’m a blessed man. A lucky man. I get to do what I love to do. I have my health and my family loves me. Yes, I have struggles. But we all do. The best way to overcome them is to help others.

So I reject fear. It has crippled me too long. I’m so thankful for the blessing of tough times.