The Story of My Life
“It’s not stress that kills us. It is our reaction to it.” – Hans Selye
Prior to a recent flight, I decided to download a movie onto my iPad to kill a little time along the journey back to San Antonio.
After doing a quick search on the Disney+ app, I settled on the 2006 film, Annapolis.
In case you have not seen it, the movie is about a young guy who comes from a poor, working-class family. He is dead set on attending the prestigious United States Naval Academy, which is located in Annapolis, Maryland.
As movies go, Jake Huard receives a notification of acceptance but only after two other candidates decided to pursue other interests.
The Story of My Life
At some point in the movie, Jake is up for promotion to the officer level, but one of his superiors says to him …
“I can tell you are not officer material!”
Jake, who had promised his mother before she passed away that he would one day join the Naval Academy and become an officer, responds …
“That’s the story of my life!”
My Take
When I heard the actor make this comment, the movie went into background mode, as I knew this response hit home with me.
Like some of you, I’ve had many naysayers along the way, such as the following …
“I understand you want to earn a doctoral degree, but do you know how difficult it is to do that?”
“My father started a business when he was young, and I watched how hard it was for him to make it work. If I were you, I would consider working for a company so you can get a steady check every two weeks.”
“From what I can tell, there are nearly zero Hispanic referees working NCAA Div. I men’s basketball. There are other sports where you are a better fit. Have you considered officiating soccer?”
Please do not get the impression that I am playing a victim card here. If you know me a bit, this is never the way I look at life’s challenges.
My hope is that this message has a positive impact on my students, who often reach out to me asking for my perspective on a situation they are facing pertaining to their career.
Writing the Story
The cool thing about life is that most of us have control over how the rest of our lives take shape.
Notice that I was specific here … I said, “The rest of our lives.” From my experience, I understand how hardships or mistakes of the past are just that … the past!
At some point, excuse-making will provide zero benefit.
I find it calming knowing that I have the choice to decide how the story plays out.
Interestingly, I picture my future dedicated mostly to spending time with my family and faith. There is no desire to impress anyone or to put myself in front of the line.
At some point, the Lord will call me home, and if I dedicate my time to the small and beautiful things life has to offer, I will be okay.
See you next week, my friends!
Inspiring Quotes
“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” – Hermann Hesse
“Don’t try to force anything. Let life be a deep let-go. God opens millions of flowers every day without forcing their buds.” – Osho
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: What will you do this week to create your life story?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.