We Are Our Past
December 01, 2006
Some people live by the saying "it is what you do that defines you." I go by, "you are your past" that defines you."
See, I believe who you are now is from the people and experiences you have gone through in life. The good, the bad and most definitely the ugly sides of our self. From my own life experiences I can say that I can look back and know where I came from and learned from what mistakes I have made.
The most defining years of my life where from age 16-18. Some of the hardest and most trivial times in my life to date. It was December 1996 that my father passed away and I was left wondering what my role was. It was Feb 1997 that I met someone who really kept me grounded and focused and helped me more then they ever knew. It was then that I got my sense of a "real relationship" and to see someone who cared for me and showed me it was OK to be myself. Not only did this person open my eyes to relationships but she did so in making sure I didn't give up and pushed me, especially in times I felt like giving up. I also learned that in Sept- Dec 1997 that I should have sucked it up and made the trip to her college to visit her. LOL
But in those defining years, lead me to be where I am today. She was that measuring stick to anyone I would date later and I eventually found someone who could measure up. Dori would eventually become a student in ways, where I could pass on what I learned, but I learned from teaching along the ways. About communication, the troubles with dealing with a lot of outside influences and making time in my busy life.
But in the middle of all these relationships were my friends and the people I met in classes. Professors who didn't give up on me and of course my family.
In Circle K I learned some valuable lessons. I would rather serve and volunteer then take any position in power again. Though I do not regret my positions and making the changes and decisions I made, because I know they were right during my time there, I do not want to waste time in battles of egos. I look around and I see many who are still friends and I am happy for them, but I remember the words whispered behind their backs, so I wonder, do those thoughts just get thrown away? Because that is not who I am. But CKI brought me in touch with some of the most amazing people in the US and abroad. To list a few: Dan, Erin, Bobby S., Matt, Jill, Lindsey (who I know from Dan), Abby, Erica, Alan, Mondo. those are only a few, but there are many more. If you want to see the future of this country, look at them, because they are genuine.
So I am who I am today because of all these people. The people I have met and watched. The experiences of being on stage, falling down stairs and getting hit on the football field. From the kids I coach to the professors who challenged me. My parents in both life and my father in death. So I thank you, because it may take a village to raise a baby, but its the world who shapes the person.
posted by Total Core Fitness Bootcamp @ 12/01/2006 09:01:00 AM,
3 Comments:
-
At 10:53 AM,
Bobby said...
-
I think that's a very profound set of thoughts. I share your belief that our past very much influences and shapes who we are. Because it is the set of life experiences that we compare and base other things on. I always just try to make sure that my past experiences don't hold me back from taking chances in the future.
Oh and I'm honored to be on your list with all those other great people =) Make sure you include yourself on that list... I know a lot of people that have been inspired by you over the years!!!
Also congrats and good luck with the upcoming wedding. I'm sure it will be a great time!!! -
At 10:07 AM,
said...
-
Nicely written.
You said it well and I agree with you. We ARE shaped by our past.
Best wishes for a "happily married" life!
Suzanne Lieurance
The Working Writer's Coach
http://www.workingwriterscoach.com -
At 7:59 AM,
said...
-
Hey man, you couldn't have said it better about the past. Sometimes there are days in life when you wonder what went wrong, how did it go wrong and why? As I'm sitting here reading this comment with happy tears yet saddened ones. Those questions will always boggle my mind. I'm glad I do not live in the area and will be working because this ceremony may be too beautiful to watch.
Just as you say, the past is the past and we must learn from it and move on. The song by Faith Hill reminds me of this. "Let me let go." I guess its even more bizarre how true that song really feels.
It's funny how you say there will always be someone you measure up to and how you say there could be an equivical or perhaps an even better person. I hope that in your case you have gotten the better... and it lasts forever.
Best wishes to you both and CONGRATS!
XOXO
The Author
Coach Ryan
Ryan is twenty seven years old and recently married. Him and his wife are expecting their first child in May. One of his current jobs is as a personal trainer. He also volnteers as a youth football head coach, the players are 8-11 yrs old.
About This Blog
This blog is the thoughts and ramblings of what goes on in my head. Sometimes it could be modivational and other times it could be complete insanity. Thats the beauty of it all.
Additional Information
I will eventually add more information in here. If you want to get to know me more, follow some of the links. I reccomend reading all the blogs I have linked here.
