As you celebrate the holidays and the dawn of a new year, what do you think about? For me, December always leads to a time of reflection, thankfulness and enthusiasm. Reflecting on the year that was. Being thankful. Enthusiasm for the year ahead.
While watching television this month you may come across an excellent speech given by Jim Valvano, better known as Jimmy V, an accomplished college basketball coach and broadcaster. The line he’s most known for is “Don’t give up! Don’t ever give up!”
When he said that, Jimmy V was fighting cancer, extremely weak, with less than two months to live. Yet he delivered a powerful speech launching the V foundation for cancer research. You can watch the entire speech here.
I was 11 at the time of this speech and didn’t fully comprehend the magnitude of it. As an adult I deeply appreciate the reflection, thankfulness, and enthusiasm Jimmy V showed as his clock was winding down to 0:00.
There is a part which grabs my attention every time. It doesn’t pop like other parts of the speech, but the words are so true. Valvano says, “Time is very precious to me. I don’t know how much I have left, and I have some things I’d like to say.” Simple, direct, and powerful! Jimmy V knew his time on Earth was short and this was his chance to share with the world what he felt was most important.
This is what I’d like to share with you this holiday season. An excellent reminder on how to be present each day we are given. To celebrate life with those you love. To reflect, be thankful, and enthusiastically go forward!
Valvano said there are three things we should do every day. Laugh, think, and cry. He said, “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day! That’s a heck of a day!”
So take time to laugh. Laugh with your family, friends, and co-workers. Laugh at your own expense. Just make sure to laugh because life is too short to be serious all the time.
Take time to think, unplug. Put away the cell phone. Our mind is a powerful tool when we allow it space and capacity to wander freely. Relax and be present with your thoughts. Be present this holiday season with the people you spend time with.
Take time for your emotions to move you. Telling old stories with family or friends. Remembering those we lost. Celebrating accomplishments and milestones!
We have a lot of “full days” at Compass and that’s a good thing! Thank you for making our days meaningful and full of life, sharing laughs, reflecting on your journeys, dreaming enthusiastically about your future! We look forward to coming alongside you in 2022 and beyond! Thank you for your business and partnership. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!