Thursday, February 17, 2011

Calling All People (Especially Athletes)

I want to first begin by saying that anyone who thinks that Peace is just too optimistic of an idea or not realistic enough for the human race (I know you all are out there) Think Again. Being rational beings, humans are capable of more than just the primitive nature we so often display.

So this is MY calling out to all the athletes around the world. *As a side note, I know many athletes who look beyond themselves and have made a substantial impact on the world and others through their generosity and for that I commend all of you. However, there are still many athletes in this world who would rather sit on the "sidelines in life" and watch other people be the helping hand.

Being an athlete at the highest level, I can now look around and see the huge impact we can have on the world around us. Forget the fame, forget the glamour... what are YOU going to do that changes the world for the better and leaves an everlasting effect on this planet. Yes you worked hard to get where you are today (the blood, sweat and tears) but this is also happening to men and women all over the world who have no voice. They work until they collapse just so their sons or daughters can have an extra bottle of water or an extra piece of meat per month.

We are the privileged, we are the lucky ones and we must look at the struggles of others and see that they need a helping hand sometimes. It starts at home with you and your family. If you have kids, instill love and compassion in them so that they will grow up in a world not knowing what it's like to HATE someone. Everything starts at home and eventually we will all realize that this Earth is OUR home. We are all brothers and sisters (no matter how cliche that is to say) and we must treat each other that way. Yes, brothers and sisters quarrel sometimes but in the end the level of respect and compassion we have for one another prevails. This is no different than the homeless man/woman on the street begging for change. If you saw your sister/brother on the street desperate for scraps what would you do?

Don't give in to that little voice in the back of your head that tells you all the reasons why NOT to do something. "I'm too tired. I can do it tomorrow. Someone else will probably stop and help. It has nothing to do with me." I've heard them all and the fact of the matter is... Your heart is NOT too tired. Tomorrow is too LATE. Someone will say the same thing you did and NOTHING will get done. It has EVERYTHING to do with you as a human being.

I once heard, "People aren't remembered for what they got, but what they gave." This couldn't be more true and I know that athletes in specific have such a unique opportunity to give. Go out of your way to be that hero for someone else. Don't listen to that voice in the back of your head telling you all the reasons why you shouldn't and just do it. No excuses. Be the Change.

One Love,

Jeb

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