"Don't give up. Don't ever give up."

 

You might recognize the quote I've titled this post with as being associated with former North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano. "Jimmy V" led the NC State Wolfpack to the 1983 NCAA Championship over the heavily favored Houston Cougars (the "Phi Slama Jama" team that had future NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon on its team). Even though I was rooting for Houston in that game, I'll never forget watching Valvano run around the court in disbelief and joy -- and looking for someone to hug -- after that last game ended with a buzzer beater to seal the win for NC State. It was really great to watch!

The quote I referenced is the motto for The V Foundation for Cancer Research which was set up by "Jimmy V" not long before his death in 1993 at age 47. They've raised millions of dollars for cancer research and programs related to such research. One of the great things about this charity is that 100 percent of the net proceeds and direct donations to the foundation go towards cancer research and related programs. Quite an accomplishment!

I saw the video above on ESPN Wednesday night for the first time in many years. Valvano's speech in this video, from the 1993 ESPY Awards, remains one of the most inspiring speeches I've ever heard. Delivered less than two months before "Jimmy V" died, this speech helped start a wonderful foundation, and for me it's served as inspiration to remember to live life to the fullest and to keep going during life's difficult times. The speech is a little over 10 minutes long, and I promise you that every minute is worth watching.

Love life, keep fighting, and don't give up! Don't ever give up!

Inspiration from a beautiful and solitary tree

I took this with my camera phone on November 25, a gorgeous 70-something degree day in the DFW Metroplex. Yes, that's the hood of my car in the foreground...I was too lazy to get out of the car! ;) The picture is really cool to me. It's as if there is all of this desolation on the periphery of the picture (the bare trees), and then there's this one beautiful tree right in the middle that seems to say "I've still got something good to give despite the stark conditions around me." Call me weird, but I really like it. The last day or so has been difficult for me in trying to maintain my positive attitude at the consistent level it's been at over the last few weeks. I'm glad I pulled out this picture and looked at it again. Somehow, it inspires me to keep going.

"Desiderata" -- one of my favorite poems.

"Desiderata"

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata", Copyright 1952.