Courage's Cousin: Adversity

Courage's cousin ... that is adversity. Adversity brings forth an opportunity to display courage. Will you? I believe you ... and we ... can.

I learned a long time ago that adversity is akin to a fire. When it comes, it burns away all that is perishable, and you are left with those things that are truly valuable -- namely, your character.

Put another way, rather than making us adversity reveals who we really are. So ... are you experiencing a little adversity on the way to a particular goal? Injury? Illness? Something even worse? Has some one changed their plans to where you are no longer a part of them, or at least the way you thought you were? Have you discovered that fallible people will let you down ... and maybe, just maybe an umpire will blow a call? I just, but you get the point.

That's life, and life is often unfair. But God is just, and He has a plan. I take comfort and draw strength from this truth when I encounter rough waters. I know God is working out his plan in me.

And He also has His hand on the Mustangs. I am excited to see what He is going to do.

Remember ... everything you may experience today, whether on the field or off, He has undergone in some form or fashion ... and in truth, He has gone through far worse ... and for you. He loves you more than words can say. And He believes in you.

So, get up. Dust off.

Let's roll.

See you on the field,

On Courage ...

From Coach Aaron Weintraub, who gets and teaches mental game concepts as well as any one:

"You display amazing courage in many circumstances. Let us not downplay it's importance, though, in everything we do. Courage is the strength of will to do what is difficult. When courage and motivation are combined, mountains will be overcome one step at a time, and then look like molehills in the distance behind you. Without courage, even a molehill is insurmountable. With courage, an ingrown toenail is irrelevant during a performance. Without courage, the injured athlete loses intensity, focus, and balance. Without courage, adversity is bad and represents the end of the road. With courage, adversity is actually sought out because mistakes are viewed as critical components for growth and happiness. With the courage to admit mistakes, weaknesses become strengths. Without it, weaknesses continue unabated or even grow until they blow up in your face. With courage, we can create new habits and make excellence second nature. Without it, we can make excuses. Without courage, the fear of failure can debilitate. With it, fear helps us push our own limits and reach new heights of personal or human achievement. This is because courage reveals fear and pressure for what they really are: the shadows of great opportunities.

This is why Winston Churchill said, 'Without courage, all other virtues lose their meaning.' If motivation and courage are sufficient, you will find a way!"