Like a slow rolling ground ball ~ 01/16/13

I hope your year is fantastic and if you start your day with that attitude it will be !

A quote to start your day : )

“A good traveler has no fixed plans,

and is not intent on arriving.”

: o )  Lao Tzu

Have you ever played softball?

In the dead of winter on a cold morning I come up that question right.... lol, but if you have then indeed you can relate how it can teach you much about dealing with life.

I love the game.  Now I have not played in awhile and maybe I should this year.  But the times I have are still very fresh in my mind.

In softball it is good to try every position just as in life you get a different perspective on what the other players look at, react to and enjoy the game.

I loved third base, the hot corner some call it but every hit that comes your way is not the same.  Just as in life every person you meet is not what the eyes expect.  The ball comes off the bat and you have to react but not over react.

In life sometimes you have to practice and react slow and sure.

The ball that comes off the bat slow and almost stops in the grass can't be shrugged off, you have to go to it, eyes on the ball, glove ready and in a second pick it up, aim to first and throw a fast strike if your gonna get the runner out.

You have to react.  You have to aim.  So do you in life.

But every ball that comes off the bat reacts differently.

Every person in life that we come in contact comes off differently not the same and we need to react differently.

React with kindness and a smile.

React with a gentle spirit and gratitude.

React with patience and with love.

When I pitched I soon found that if you throw the ball with no spin and just lay it out there you get a quick reaction from the hitter and the ball it will fly.

When you pitch the ball with a little more touch, or spin you will get a different reaction and show more control as the team's pitcher.

In life it is the same way, you have to control your thoughts, listen more and even try to understand the person before you just go and move on with out seeking first to understand.

Life is not always about throwing it out there sometimes you have to seek first to understand and add a little touch and control.

In the out field you have so much space and ground to cover, but yet you can react a little slower, more space and time between you and the ball at times.  You have to follow the arc on the high fly balls and get under it and squeeze the glove to complete the catch. Always have your eye on the ball and always complete the play before you worry about the next step.

Same with life.  Watch, listen and then react.  Keep your eyes and ears open and plan your next move.

Set your goals. But not all goals will be met, don't fret, don't quit just keep the knowledge that your making small steps in the right direction and growth is not optional it is a standard that your moving towards.

Move ahead, aim with confidence and take a swing.  You will always have a better chance of hitting the ball if you follow those steps.

So it is with life.  Move ahead, aim with confidence and swing, try and follow through with your dreams, your goals, your mission.

Sending smiles to you and may your life bring you plenty of joy and fun along the way : )

Victor V. Yakin

www.makemesmileonline.com