We've all been there, life is going fairly well and then all of a sudden, it changes on a dime.  An accident, an illness, the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, the betrayal of a trusted friend, etc., and you feel like you've been hit from left field, you never saw it coming.  Your life has drastically changed and it will never be the same.  After the initial shock wears off and the dust settles, you take an inventory of what happened, what's the damage, what still works, what needs repairing, who can help, etc., and thus, the journey begins.  Your new beginning; and it usually starts with the smallest of baby steps.

As a high school coach for over 20 years, I've always instilled in my athletes to never give up, to keep on going, to always look forward, and never look back.  If the pitcher throws you a wicked curveball and nearly hits you, take a deep breath, get right back in that batter's box, dig in, grip your bat, and keep your eye on the ball, knowing that your pitch is going to come.  And when it does, you're going to knock it out of the park!  I've also encouraged my athletes and my clients, to never lose faith, never lose hope, and never give up the fight.  It takes courage, tenacity, and an unwavering belief that you will succeed no matter what life throws at you. 

As we enter into a new year, a new beginning, or in baseball terms, another inning, we have an opportunity to take charge, to go out onto the playing field with a can-do attitude, and make a positive difference.  There are six basic things we need to do in order to increase our chances of success. First of all, we have to have a passion for the game. Second, we must be coachable.  Third, we must demonstrate good sportsmanship. Fourth, we have to practice, practice, practice.  Fifth, we need to trust and encourage our teammates, and finally, we have to have fun along the way. 

May you hit a grand-slam this coming season.

Yours in Love and Light,

Coach Haggerty......... "Play Ball"