Smile because it happened

 “Don’t be sad it’s over, smile because it happened. There will be a new day, and eventually a new year. And when the upcoming winter gives way to spring, rest assured it will be time for baseball again.”  Vin Scully

 

It’s only two days after the Cleveland Indians epic performance in the 2016 World Series and I can’t think of any words better to sum up the experience for the team, the fans, the city and anyone associated with baseball. They didn’t win the game, but they won the hearts and the respect of Clevelanders and baseball fans across the country. Why? Because they never quit. No matter what was thrown at them (literally), no matter what the media reported, despite the injuries and their underdog status, they kept going; giving it their all. That’s not an easy thing to do. The journey to the top tests us: it tests our strength, our endurance and our ability to hang in there when it would be easier to give up.

No matter what our goals – business or personal – there are obstacles along the way that try to prevent us from reaching them. That’s just the way it is. What happens next tells the tale. Do we give up or do we keep going? Do we stop because it’s too hard, because we’ve stumbled a few times or because everyone around us tells us it can’t be done? Do we blame others for the “bumps in the road” we experience? Or do we persevere? Never lose sight of the goal. Keep our heads high and do ourselves proud.

It’s a great life lesson. The Cleveland Indians played it out for us “up close and personal.” The scoreboard showed that they came up short, but they won a whole lot more than the World Series. And there’s always next year.

Smile because it happened.

Posted by MJ Thomas