A few weeks ago we had Stan Beecham, a sports psychologist come to Flagstaff to talk to our group. I have to admit I was skeptical. I talked to my brother-in-law on the phone, and asked me at the end of the conversation to keep an open mind. Seeing as how Mike is my hero, I promised I would.Before I knew it I was sitting in a small room with a complete stranger. Stan said he liked to keep an open forum, and for me to just talk. I had no idea what to say. An hour later, I had cried my eyes out, smiled, cried some more, called him a "jerk", almost walked out, told him a funny story, and capped it off with some more water works. I left feeling emotionally drained. However, after a nap and few hours to reflect, I felt a renewed desire to challenge myself both as an athlete and person.
Stan really helped me break through some mental blocks and weaknesses I was having. I think his main advice can ring true in anyone's life. He instilled in me that at the end of the day, ask yourself "was I a winner, or a loser? Did I do everything I could that day to achieve what I want and what is important to me?". If you have done that, well then be happy, live in the moment. If you were a "loser", ask yourself why? It holds you and only you accountable. No excuses. When you can put a "win" on a day, you can hold it and be proud.
It's about the journey, the now, being in the moment. So, Stan...this blog is for you, and I'm closing it out with (of course) a quote from my favorite musical, "Wicked"...as my thanks...."Who can say if I've been changed for the better/ I do believe I have been changed for the better/ But because I knew you/ Because I knew you/ I have been changed for good."
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