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I had a philosophy when I played in the NFL. As a defensive back it was my job to discourage running backs and receivers from advancing the football. In an effort to succeed at my job my theory simply stated was; if I hit you hard enough in the first and second quarter, you will be reluctant to catch the ball during the third and fourth

quarter. I must admit although it was not 100% accurate, I had great success in discouraging my opponents from coming my way late in the game. It's the same way in life, as sure as the sun arose today, rejection, hurt, disillusionment, pain, and discouragement will at some time intersect your life. The question is not if, but when. For these all are a part of life, life 101 if you will. How then will you face those time when you are blind-sided by the unexpected loss of a loved one. What will your response be when your schoolyard crush falls for your best friend and not you? What appropriate attitude will follow the day your dream and heart's desire lays pummeled at your feet, labeled impossible.

First, recognize that it's all the fabric of life—it happens. We are entitled to grieve, but life has too much to offer for us to forfeit tomorrow's joys because of yesterday's defeats. Secondly, gather as much wisdom as possible from the experience to use in future life-building decisions. Without rain in our lives we'd never grow. Allow the rain to work its course. Reflect upon the "coaching points" of your times of disappointment and uncertainty but never allow them to stop you. Never allow your discouragements to trap you in a cycle of guilt and self-pity. Move on. As the famous artist Kellie Bruno once said, "turn your scars into stars!" Live like all good actors do, never dwelling on the previous scenes mistakes, but instead concentrating on the opportunities of the present scene. Neither do they fear the scene to come. They simply do their best in the scene they are in. Be encouraged, for many times I had to encourage myself. Those of us who can never stop thinking about the bumps and bruises of the first and second quarter will in no way experience the triumphs of quarters three and four. True champions never allow setbacks to make them stop believing they are true champions.