I’ve accomplished so much in my life and I’ve done some pretty incredible things. It’s been an amazing journey, but did it make me happy? I really don’t know. I was so wrapped up in what I wanted to do, that I forgot about the people that meant the most to me. For most of my life, I thought that happiness was success. The more I accomplished, the happier I thought I would be. Until one day, I realized I was alone. I had no one to celebrate with me. Isolated from others, depression set in.
Then my life went into turmoil. I started to doing some things that were wrong and unethical. Many personal problems and injuries had my life going in the wrong direction. I wasn’t praying, or having a relationship with GOD. I was even more selfish than I was when I was “claiming to title of being the best in the world”.
I realized I had to change. What would get me back on track? Was it GOD? Family? Putting others before me? How about all of the above???
A man once told me to “grow up”. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, now I do. It’s about putting childish things behind me. Knowing that bad habits are childish, and that its time to be responsible. With responsibility comes the claim of being a great father, husband and a loyal servant of GOD. It’s about putting others before me.
Now, I now know what my real purpose is, it’s being there for others and serving others. I am more excited about what’s coming than anything I’ve accomplished in the past. The crazy thing is, I don’t regret my past or the mistakes that I made, because I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t make those mistakes.
And as far as being happy now? I have a beautiful wife, 4 amazing kids and a relationship with my GOD. I couldn’t be happier. I am even more ready for what the world has in store for me right now, than when I stood in the podium and received my gold medal. I’m living my life for the right reasons. And I’m ready for great things to come. I’m happy!!!
