Happy New Year! As we start fresh in 2018, I thought I would write about MY wish for all of you rather than drone on about some obligatory New Year's resolution that most won't follow.
Outside of my wife and kids, coaching, and my scouting responsibilities, my free time is usually consumed with my three favorite hobbies: books, movies and music. I would consider my library for all three extensive, and I hope to pass down all three of my hobbies (obsessions :-) to my kids. All three media genres have inspired and motivated me throughout my life. My writing has often been the result of that inspiration and motivation.
With that said, I decided to use quotes from one of those three mediums to express my hopes for 2018 for specific groups of people who I think need a wish or two to come their way this next calendar year.
For the Young, Lost and Lonely
My wish for you comes from country singer, Mr. Charlie Worsham (and the quote above)
My family had a challenging year in which some things were thrown at us that we were not prepared for. We had to make some changes and sacrifices as a family, so we could continue to stay in a home we love and be near great friends and family. The inspiration for today's blog came from me thinking not about those obstacles and challenges we have faced, but for the things that I was blessed to have this year.
The best part of my day is when these two little, giggling "monkeys" (as I call them) crawl into our bed each morning to snuggle. For about 10 minutes everyday, I realize that my whole life is in my arms. Whether or not I wished for it years ago, every day I am blessed to be "holding what I [was] hoping for."
My wish for the young, lost and lonely is that you remember all of those blessings are out there waiting for you, too. My challenge to you is to not complain about not holding your hopes and dreams at this moment, but to put yourself out there in the world and be seen and be heard. A job, a career, a mate, or love isn't going to just fall in your lap. Be open to new things. Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Take a chance every day. Surprise yourself with gumption, determination and make it joyful. Whatever happens in the result of that chance, laugh about it when you are done and make a decision right then and there that you will take another chance tomorrow. The world is your oyster. Don't let the ocean ever make you feel small.
For My Present and Former Players
My wish is for you to never forget You've Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
I'll keep this short. I love you all, and I could not be more proud to know you and to call you family. Whether we talk once every 10 years or once per week or you played for me for one season or four, know that I am always a phone call away to talk, help, laugh or cry when you need it most. I am impressed with how each of you are making the world a better place to live. Trust me when I tell you that I'm watching and cheering loudly! Please keep the pictures of your precious babies coming my way!
For Our President and Government Leaders
My wish is for all of our "leaders" is to embrace the definition of humility by the great writer C.S. Lewis
True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.
From the book Mere Christianity
You can call me naive. It won't faze me. You can call me ignorant. It won't make a dent. No matter the naysayers, I will never stop seeing our world, our children, our people and our nature as one big family we are all responsible for protecting. I hope that 2017 triggered a renaissance of hope, generosity and (as another President once said) audacity in our world where leaders will stand up and say:
"We can do better, and it starts with me TODAY. This is who I am going to be from here on out, and it is our World and our People that I will fight for before everything else. Populism? Nationalism? Those words mean nothing to me. If you meet me in the street...if you are reading my words...if you are in need of help...you are my friend...no matter your color, race, religion, creed, nationality or sexual preference...you have something positive to give to this world, so I have something positive to give to you."
For My Mom and Dad
My wish to you comes from the band Blues Traveler
The Mountains Win Again
I woke up yesterday morning and there was a thick blanket of clouds engulfing our community, yet the Rocky Mountains floated above the clouds like a Castle in a sea of blue and majestic sunshine. It felt, like it does most days in Colorado, like we were given our own little piece of heaven. This wish explains itself. :-)
For My Nieces and Nephews
My wish to you comes from one my all-time favorite comedians/actors, Robin Williams, from the movie Good Will Hunting
Some people can’t believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first.
I don't get to see any of you enough, but the pride I have for all of you consumes me. How impressive you all are in your own way. The gifts you have given all of us who love you are innumerable. Whether it is the way you have chosen to live your life or the partners you have chosen or the 11 beautiful babies you have brought into our family, I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be your uncle...and mentor...friend...confidant...or whatever you need me to be...ANY TIME. I believe in you!
For My Babies
My wish for you comes from one of the great leaders of the cinema, Gandalf the White, from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
Your mom and I pepper you with love, challenges, wisdom, direction and discipline every day. When it is all said in done, it is that quote above that means the most.
How you choose to live your life each and every day will define you. Don't ever let the definition of YOU be the days you wasted to do something good. You have two stone walls of love, passion, and unbreakable truth behind you. We will always be there to protect you and make sure that you never give up on the path to your dreams. Whatever that path may be!
For The Love of My Life
My wish for you comes from my all-time favorite band, The Beatles
"I Will" from the White Album [I recommend that you all take some time to re-visit what I think is the greatest album of all-time]
"Who knows how long I've loved you..." I know for sure that it has been a lot longer than the 20 years you've been my bride. You've made all of my wishes come true. It would be terribly selfish to wish for anything more for myself. So, for you, my love, I wish that the next 20 years are defined by you finding your path in this world outside of being the best mother and wife we could imagine. Whatever you want to do, we've got your back every step of the way. I can't wait to see all that you will do and become.
...and For The Rest of You
My wish for you is, of course, from Dory and Finding Nemo
“Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. What do we do? We swim, swim.”
Coach Matt Rogers
Twitter: @madcoachdiary
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rogersmatt16
Blog: madcoachdiary.blogspot.com
Phone: (312) 610-6045
Matt Rogers is a 20-year high school and college coach veteran. He has led two teams to the NCAA National Tournament and one team to a High School State Championship. His teams hold numerous school and one NCAA record. He has mentored and coached players at every collegiate level while serving as an athletics administrator at the high school and NCAA levels. He currently is the Head National Scout/Recruiting Specialist for NCSA - Next College Student Athlete where he has helped thousands of young men and women from around the world achieve their dreams of playing at the college level. Coach presently lives in the Denver, CO area with his wife of 20 years and his two children.
To request Coach Rogers to speak at your school or event, you can reach him through any of his contact information above.
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