We all have our "moment"

I'm not a celebrity with a famous quote. I am however a man with a story. Part of my story I can share. The other will have to wait for a time when I'm speaking publicly. Talking to people and listening to music. Two things I love. Two things I couldn't do back in middle school. I failed classes because I couldn't talk in front of the class of my friends about what a song meant. Weird. There was a moment in my life when I realized that it didn't really matter what others thought and started to open up a little and lose the "stage fright"

 For now I want to tell you about my friend. Her name is "Mary". One day I hope she joins me in one of my speaking engagements and shares her amazing story with you. She's beautiful and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Our meeting was one of coincidence however I feel like the right people will always find their way to you.

We had a talk one day as I was telling her about my breakthrough moment and  she told me that I could share her story or her "moment" if you will. 

Mary was a young woman with her entire life ahead of her. At 19 years of age she attended a party and while she was there the weather took a turn for the worse. A person she knew had mentioned that she could stay in his bed so she didn't have to travel in poor weather. Later that night she heard someone enter the room. It was the person that said she could stay over. He approached her and said these words "if you tell anyone I'll kill you" He then violently raped her. 

Hard words for me to hear. I'm a dad to daughters. I'm a husband and my entire life have treated women like they deserve to be treated. I have zero tolerance for people who would do such a thing. 

For years Mary kept that night to herself. Slowly it ate away at her being. We all have a tipping point. A rock bottom. Mary hit hers 6 years later. Things she found fun and enjoyed to the fullest suddenly disappeared. It gets very dark at times and thoughts echo around in your head and you have to make the choice to listen to those thoughts or reach out. Mary thankfully reached out and started to get counselling, moved away and started to learn to be grateful for her life. 

Three years from that point Mary finally told her family. Her friends. People that had been through the same situation as she had. 

This was a girl that could never get up in a room full of people she knew and talk. But after everything she had been through how bad could it be. And now by standing up, talking about her story she was able to show others that they aren't alone. To hear one person say, you and I, we have some things in common. I understand. You matter and I'm here for you. 

Ten years later and you should see her. She has a job where she helps people everyday. She surrounds herself with beautiful people and I'm Damn proud to call her my friend. 

My breakthrough moment isn't as extreme as Mary's but like I've said, we all have our story. We all have our hell. To hear others peoples stories and how they overcame it is inspiring. There's so many different paths we can take in life. So many excuses we can make. Or we can stand up, look hell in the face and say "NOT TODAY"

People like Mary inspire me to share my story. To show you that you aren't alone. You matter. Let's talk. I am who I am. I'm where I'm at in my life because of the people I surround myself with. I'm not a motivational speaker. I want to inspire you to share your story. I want to know your breakthrough moment and if you haven't found it yet then let's find it. Its in there. Greatness is in everyone. Some people win medals. Some win awards. Some wake up in the morning and face the day head on. Greatness isn't measured by one thing. Who we are and how we handle our hell is what defines us. How we treat other people defines us. Money, cars, jobs don't define us. I have my family. I have my people. I grow everyday thanks to all of them. 

Take a step back and look at your hell. Find a way out. Ask for help. Remember that you're not the only person to ever go through this. There's more people out there then you know that can relate. 

My boy Rocky Balboa said it best 

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!

Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa

This quote means the world to me and my wife because we've lived it. Life has hit me many many times. Sometimes I get right back up. Other times my people need to help me up. But I'm up. I never stayed down. For years I've been labelled as "cocky". Blows me away how a guy who's been knocked down so many times can be labelled as cocky. I've never won much in my life. Don't have a fancy job. For years I couldn't make sense of it. Then one day in talking with my wife I looked at her and said "I'm not cocky I'm confident and my confidence comes from surviving". That's my quote. I survived my hell and that has brought a level of confidence to me. It's taken years of work, a good support system and some tears along the way. 

Thanks for reading, I look forward to meeting you in the future and hearing your moment. 

In the mean time, let's go back to a simpler time, head to the back yard and 

Grab the hose and take a drink!