Unstoppable: I’m still standing
“I got up again, coach.”
There’s an ancient Chinese proverb that says, “Fall down seven. Stand up eight.”
This simple message is the recipe for a good life – a happy life – a successful life.
Let me share a recent story. My cousin, Jerry, and his wife, Chris, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this month. We (Marcy and the Highlights band) provided a mix of live music and karaoke for the party. For years Jerry helped coach his daughter’s school’s basketball team. At the party, the school coach brought up 10 or so gals spanning years of teams to sing an emotional tribute performance of “We are the champions!” The coach shared the amazing win statistics – something like over 350 wins – during Jerry’s time.
Jerry continually challenged to his players to get back up again.
When they were knocked down in the game – physically, emotionally, or spiritually – just get back up again. He stretched this into their lives – no matter what knocked them down – and encouraged them to call him and simply leave a message, “Coach, I got up again.” No details needed – no matter the situation – just the action – call it in.
They still do today.
Yes, even opening your email can be a real crap shoot – An exercise in falling down and standing up again.
You move forward every day inspiring generosity to accomplish the “wins” you make in this life – for your mission, your family, yourself.
You can be feeling exhausted, defeated, discouraged, empty, alone, misunderstood, hurt, hated, disrespected, angry, frustrated….you can fall down. Maybe you yell, maybe you pound a couple of strong drinks, maybe you ask, “Who needs this stupid work anyway?”
Then you get back up. And you remember tomorrow is another day. And you give yourself and others some forgiveness and understanding for your harsh feelings and start looking for how you can mend, connect, share, reach out, love. WIN!
Maybe like Elton John you sing, “I’m still standing! Yea! Yea! Yea!”
Maybe after you get up again, you reach down and extend your hand to your co-worker, spouse, child or friend and help them get up again. (Honestly THAT’S the best!)
Then maybe you call me and just leave a message, or send a text or email that says, “I got up again, coach.”
Invest in JOY!
