Everyone has a story about how they got where they are now. My athletic journey is part of my story and part of the reason why I began the search to reclaim my health.
I did not start out as an athletic prodigy. I didn’t come from a long line of athletes. I was the last of 5 children born to a missionary and his wife in Tokyo, Japan. There were no organized sports for us back then; our activities were centered around the games we played in the backyard. Of course it was a huge backyard in my mind but looking back at pictures, I realize it was the adventures we had there that made it seem so big. I guess that’s true for so many of us.
When we moved back to the states in the 60’s my mom got a job and so I mostly hung out with the neighborhood kids, climbing trees, jumping rope and riding bikes. I loved those long summer days! In some ways, I think that would be a great way of life to return to for kids.
It wasn’t until we moved again and I was in junior high that the opportunity for organized sports came into play. I was a pretty small kid and didn’t have a lot of talent in any sport but what I had was determination and drive. When you are the youngest of 5 siblings you have to be able to keep up!!
At that time, we had track and field, volleyball and softball. I did all 3 but that’s where my love for volleyball began. I really wasn’t that good but my competitive nature was already kicking in for sure. It’s said that there are two kinds of athletes. Those that love to win and those that hate to lose. I would definitely fall into the latter category.
I played through high school and did just good enough to make a collegiate team. But here is where I really developed my talent. As an athlete, if you want to make it, you have to commit. So that when the pain and the disappointment come calling you don’t quit. Much of who I am today, came from those battle scars.
I made it in collegiate volleyball because I refused to give up. And when I was told I wasn’t good enough, I had the drive to prove that coach wrong. I worked harder and longer than most to make up for any shortcomings I had. I had the right mind-set and developed the skills I wasn’t gifted with so that I could move on and succeed. Sounds a little like the skills an entrepreneur needs doesn’t it? 
Those were some of the greatest years of my life. The game I loved gave me opportunity to travel abroad and collect some pretty amazing memories. Not to mention the friends I made!
But back then, we didn’t learn about nutrition or how to take care of our bodies and as they say, “the body keeps score”. The toll it took on me would show up later in my life. And this would lead to different struggles where I would once again need to call upon that discipline and competitive spirit to overcome the damage I had done.
More about that later.
If you find yourself in a position where you would like to reclaim your health, you might be interested in my guide: 3 Ways to a Healthier Home.
