DID YA FEEEL IT?
Let me just start by sayin that the last round was one of the toughest yet. It turns out tryin to accurately (and affectionately) describe the feelings brought on by 3E is no easy task. For all it's worth I gave it my best shot, still, I think I mighta come up short. Therefore, I'd like to share a story with ya that I think'll help sum it up. Or not.
In 2007 Teemu Selanne and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim score a 4 to 2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals to win the 7 game series 4 to 1. Immediately following the game (we're talkin still on the ice) a reporter asks Teemu how it feels to finally win the Stanley Cup. For Selanne, (36) who grew up playing hockey in Finland before joining the NHL in '88 where he's gone on to amass numerous records and awards including the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, an honor awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport, winning the Cup is a childhood dream come true, and clearly he's overwhelmed as he struggles to find a few choice words. "Incredible, unbelievable," exclaims the 6ft 200 lb right-winger in his pronounced Finnish accent. Fighting back the tears, he takes another stab at it, then another, yet try as he may it's plainly obvious that nothin can adequately express the way he feels.
"An experience" they say, "is altogether different from any words attempting to describe it." And sometimes, there simply are none. Selanne's certainly not the only one who's ever been at a loss for words when asked how it feels to have accomplished something that's taken years of personal commitment and sacrifice. The stories are endless, and the people they portray from all walks of life.
Personally, when I hear stories like these I too can't help but get a lil choked up. When I see the heartfelt emotion and ponder for a moment the unshakable discipline and dedication that helped stir it I'm completely blown away. And honestly, I think that's why it rattles me when I hear effort being labeled as something to avoid or forgo whenever possible. Because when exercised regularly and in full support of that which you "genuinely" hope to achieve, effort not only increases your likeliness to succeed, but instills a feeling that in all likelihood will never be surpassed.
Defining or describing that feeling? Well, that just might prove to be beyond the bounds of possibility. Honoring it, celebrating it, and supporting it, however, that we can do. Hope you'll join us. Happy Thanksgiving, see ya soon. Till then, keeep it up.
