10 Years From Now
When I was younger, I often wondered how my life would unfold. What would I be? Where would I live? What would I do? The list of self-asked questions was endless. Sure, I had dreams as a young fighter, but after my hand injuries, I didn’t know what would happen. Everything that I wanted was gone. I was miserable and depressed.
Fortunately, I got over feeling sorry for myself and woke my ass up. I eventually found my way back to the gym and started helping the young fighters. Soon after I realized that my injuries were a blessing in disguise. They opened up a door that I would have never found as an active fighter.
Here I am many years later. I’m in married, in my 30’s, and have two wonderful kids. Ten years ago, I would have never guessed that I would be sitting here mentioning my two children. I didn’t even think I’d be married. So sure, having a family is a bit of surprise to me, but then again, producing kids isn’t a difficult task for most men. The latest census figures certainly support this hypothesis.
And please don’t take this the wrong way, as my kids are my life. They mean everything to me. I’d give my life for them. The point of this entry isn’t about having kids however. The message that I’m trying to convey is that we all have the ability to define (or redefine) our lives. Each day presents this opportunity.
An Honor For Me
A few months ago, I opened my mail and was shocked to find a Flag and certificate from the US Marines Corps. Below are pictures of the framed certificate, as well as a close up.
I was blown away after opening the package. Ten years ago, I would have never guessed that the Marines would send me a Flag that had been flown in my honor. To say that I was honored is a huge understatement. The Marines put their lives on the line to honorably serve our Nation. To be recognized for helping the Marines, who protect our country each and every day, is worth more to me than words can describe.
Where Am I Going With This?
Fortunately, I’m not here to toot my own horn and impress you. I’m not a big shot or high roller who walks around like his sh*t doesn’t stink. There are still fighters that I’ve known for years who don’t even know I have a website. I’m happy keeping to myself and have no interest in impressing anyone. There are better things to do than live your life wondering what someone else thinks about you. We’ll all be 6 feet under one day, so why bother with the trivial nonsense.
My point with this entry is that life presents many opportunities. None of us know where we will be in 5 of 10 years. My advice is to embrace the uncertainty and pursue even your most challenging goals. To think where I came from and where I am now is still mind boggling to me. I’m still a regular guy who is far from rich, but I’m rich in other ways. I’m happy with my life. I love what I do and have a wonderful family. I’ve lived at both ends of the spectrum and am glad I figured things out while I was still young. We’ve all had our heads screwed on backwards at some point, but we can all snap out of it and get back on track.
Time does fly by, but that doesn’t mean we cannot improve and enjoy ourselves during the whirlwind of life. I see so many people who have given up on life, many who are younger than me! Let the past be the past and get on with it. So you messed up and fumbled an opportunity. Who hasn’t? Your life doesn’t need to be defined by past mistakes. It only is if you let it. A mistake or setback is nothing but an opportunity for you to get up off the ground and redefine who you are as a person.
As Napoléon Bonaparte once said,
“After making a mistake or suffering a misfortune, the man of genius always gets back on his feet.”
Get up, shake it off, and get on with life. It comes and goes in a flash, so get up and find your true passion and then pursue it with relentless desire.
Ten years from now, you’ll be happy that you did.
Ross
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Congratulations to you, Ross. Anyone who receives a flag from the Marine Corps is doing something right. Go ahead and toot your own horn a little and tell us more about it.
Life almost never turns out exactly the way we want it, but we are still alive and that is more than some can say. It’s a journey and not a destination.
Congratulations to you Ross. I, for one, feel that you deserve the honor.
Not to blow smoke, rather to offer sincere compliments to your work; I can say that your selfless, tireless contributions to the members of this site is nothing short of remarkable.
Don’t sit on your laurels though, keep it up. You have helped so many people to this point, imagine how many more and to what level the next ten years will bring.
Thank you
Wow. Quite an honor. Congratulations.
My god I’m falling in love with ross.
What a wonderful post!
Wow that’s just great! You really deserve it. You’ve help change so many people’s lives with what you do.
More power to you coach. God bless you and your family.
Your absolutely on the money with this one Ross. Life is an adventure. We all screw up from time to time and yes, bad things do happen … but it is our over-all attitude and day to day effort that really defines each of us. Personally I’m glad things have turned out the way they have for you Ross – I and many others are better off for it I’m sure!
Hey Ross! It’s your boy Chuck! First & Foremost congratulations on the honor you recieved & thank you so much for sharing that with us. Man i respect your humbleness to the fullest Ross, but man like stan martin said in his comment you should toot your horn a little man if anybody you definitely could man.
Ross, when i found your site for the first time, i was beyond impressed with the things your were able to do and your methods. The first time i ever clicked on one of your videos i was like THAT’S IT!!! THAT’S WHAT THE F**K I’M TALKING ABOUT!!! I said to myself i wanna train with this type of intensity and i’ll stop at nothing to do it.
I’ve been boxing since i was 11yrs old came across, seen, & had a few trainers but Ross When i found your site my world changed man. I wouldn’t dare ask any other trainer at my gym or anywhere a question about training. I come directly to you Ross. The results? Beyond amazing. I want you to know Ross i look up to you as a GOD when it comes to training. I am gonna be a world champion one day WITHOUT A DOUBT and trust me when i tell you Ross i owe a big chunck of it to you when i do.
So to your honor you recieved again congratulations and with all honor i say to you Ross, I dedicate my road to becoming a champion to you Ross. And since your not gonna toot your horn sorry man i’m gonna have to toot it for you in this comment. BOW DOWN IN THE PRESENCE OF GREATNESS PEOPLE. ROSS IS THE FU**ING MAN!!!
JUST THE FACT THAT THIS MEANS SO MUCH TO YOU LETS EVERYONE KNOW HOW DESERVING YOU ARE.
Congratulations Ross!
The reasoning and sentiment you display in your posts is truly admirable. One more time I’m glad I discovered your site for me.
Thanks for the call.
Faust
Sensational and fascinating post!
great post ross. the flag is a tremendous honor. you must have done for the marines the same thing you are doing for us (great things man, great things). glad you dont toot your own horn. that is a good thing. there is enough of those bastards! lol
i’ll wrap this up like this. i was watching the jack lelane (sorry if i spelled it wrong) videos you posted in a previous blog/article. you kind of remind me of him. you explain how to do stuff but you put it in a “life” context. makes it a lot easier to understand man.
fyi, i am DIGGIN never gymless! =-)
Well said, and well DONE. I was just just visiting my grandmother who has just been admited into a nursing home. She’s going good and I make a point to visit when ever I can. I looked across the room today and there was an old fella just sitting quietly on his own. He looked a picture of reflection, and I couldn’t help but think when it’s my turn to look back, I want to do it with pride and contentment…….and maybe a big stupid grin!
Great post, lets get busy!
Wow, what an honor. Congrats Ross.
awesome ross you should be proud mate and your bang on the button with your blog
Wow….just wow, man, I am speechless. Not that I haven’t realised that already but I am still young and tend to forget it from time to time. Thanks for reminding me in such a powerful way.
And everybody, remember, life is a battlefield, you only get what you put in it. Don’t hesitate to fight for what you want and believe in.
One more quote to add for the end of the entry…..”Get up you son of a b*tch! Cause Mickey loves ya…” Thanks Ross.
~Wicked~!
Big Congrats from the Circus.