The overall outcome may not be what you desire, but you could go down in history with a lofty superlative.
That’s what happened to Aroldis Chapman, a 22-year-old that failed his first attempt defecting from Cuba in 2008. Cuban President Raul Castro had suspended him from participating in his passion, baseball. In 2009, he made the painful decision of attempting to defect, this time successfully, yet leaving behind his parents, sisters, girlfriend and a new born baby.
The gamble…
Having made some painful sacrifices, he continued working through the unknown hardships that would emerge. Until he was noticed by some Major League baseball scouts and suddenly found himself awarded a multi-million dollar contract.
The peaks and valleys…
It was September 24, 2010; Chapman’s team, the Cincinnati Reds, suffered a 4-3 loss to the San Diego Padres, but one discussion trumped all sporting news the following day — Arnoldis Chapman threw the fastest pitch EVER to be officially recorded in baseball history at 105 miles per hour!
He stretched his capacity to defy opposition no matter what was coming down around him. His experiences literally transformed and elevated his tolerance for misery and hopelessness which allowed him to stay true to his unwavering excellence. And his life will never be the same.
Are you “pure filth”?
“Pure filth”, a term used in baseball as the pitcher is hard at work exhibiting extraordinary ability (as in Chapman’s case). Yet, a few impressive pitches does not always ensure a win.
Have you ever demonstrated the talent it takes to win, but still lost?
The key is in finding the silver linings in dark clouds.
WARNING – it takes practice. You have to truly train your brain to isolate the one positive experience in a negative environment. Some folks refer to it as seeing life through “rose colored glasses”. When you become really good at seeing the good in every bad situation, then you’ve mastered that state of being eternally optimistic.
When you become SO good at pitching constructive and encouraging behavior during a negative experience; then you can apply another baseball term, “throwin’ smoke!” So, if you’ve been throwing smoke, then you’ve been flaunting pure filth, which entitles you to wear those rose-colored glasses.
Congratulations!
Live with energy!
Doc B
