Write the Future
This is an amazing Nike Ad that really hypes up the World Cup and football in general. Featuring appearances by Ronaldo, Rooney, Homer Simpson, and even Kobe Bryant, this commercial is, in my opinion, three minutes of epic awesomeness. It really shows how the direction of an athlete's future can be defined by a single moment.
It is not only athletes that experience these moments. I have and I am sure everyone else has as well. From deciding which university or college to attend, whether or not you passed an exam, to saying 'hi' to that girl or guy, these moments can all define the direction of our future. The decisions we make all have butterfly effects that can lead us on paths to happiness and prosperity or misery and poverty.
But this begs the eternal and unsolved question: Do we have the agency to "write the future" or has it already been written? No one knows with absolute certainty but it is evident Nike believes in the former. For me, this has always been a point of contention, especially now for those who know me.
Personal Responsibility
I'm certainly feeling the pressure and stress and whatever - but I just have to make sure I give it my all.
I've stopped pointing fingers long ago and I'm taking responsibility for my failures (and my successes). And things have been turning out for the better ever since I did.
People choose to do what they do and I respect that. They have a lot going on and so do I. That's life.
So, when some people start blaming others instead of taking responsibility, I'll listen but I won't call them out on it nor would I be able to truthfully agree. It is not my place to tell them how to behave - I'd look like an ass. Nonetheless, it's just not a right way to think. One gives up control of one's own life by blaming others.
However, if it was my son or daughter, then I'd have to smack some sense into him/her Balboa-style. 
Look Me In the Eye
"Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we're scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become and you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience.
I will become what I know I am."
-Michael Jordan
Newbies: I'm sorry if I scare you. Don't be so intimidated by what you see in my eyes cause this describes what I am feeling.
I hate the distance - both physically and emotionally. But I have accepted this is my trial, my challenge, and a part of my life where I must find myself and reach a higher level of maturity - a stage of becoming with my next stage just around the corner.
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I don't know if you or any of my cohort - my generation - will be the one. I don't think it is likely with all the things needed in place before such a long-term commitment will work well. It would be ridiculous to expect any kind of waiting with the hand that has been dealt to me by Him or by fate or by whoever or whatever you like to believe. But I am not the kind that closes doors prematurely and unilaterally. I like to leave things open to any sort of possibility.
Though, for the time being, I apologize if I appear to be a blind and oblivious fool. Or I am "too focused". It's complicated (and maybe it really isn't!). Howeverrrrrrr, I'm beginning to think that "sort of thing" might do me some good. Or not. Who knows? Haha.
