Prisoner of the Moment

Those who know me the best are aware of my insatiable desire for sports.  My attention can be arrested when it comes to virtually anything that involves competition. In the great state of OHIO, we are in great anticipation for tonight's National Championship game between our beloved (The) Ohio State Buckeyes and the University of Oregon's Ducks. 

I'm one who loves commentary and various insights into the hidden keys of the game and I enjoy various analysis.  One TV/Podcast show that I have followed in depth is named "ESPN's First Take" featuring Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith and the absolutely stunning Cari Champion. This brings me to the source of today's subject matter...

Skip Bayless years back introduced a term to many of us which is entitled "Prisoner of the Moment." Here's the exact definition of the term:

Prisoner of the Moment: the state where an opinion is based on things that are happening right now without any real regard for what happened before or what may happen after.

The way Mr. Bayless invoked the term dealt with the propensity for a sports fan to be caught up in either the nostalgia of a great victory, or the agony of defeat, while neglecting to view the big picture surrounding the totality of the events.  For instance, whether my Buckeyes win or lose tonight, the narrative will still remain that this is a young team that overachieved and overcame so many obstacles to get to the place they dreamed of. Many people said it was impossible for them to be at this point, but now their opinions have been humbled.

Please don't allow your appetite for success to be based solely upon "proving the haters wrong." The days are over where we live our lives from the lenses of others' perception(s) of us.  While you are up all night worrying about your next move, they are in the bed snoring with slobber coming from their mouths (bad visual, I get it lol).

Don't become a prisoner of the moment, no matter what your present circumstance is. If you are going through a storm, just know that you will be able to pull yourself out with constant faith and determination.  If things are going completely right and nothing can possibly go wrong right now, don't become prisoner of that success either.  Here's a powerful quote from Pastor Keith Troy's (New Salem Baptist Church - Columbus, Ohio)  message yesterday entitled "Delay By Design."

"Success if misused can turn into a drug that causes 

us to get complacent and content, resulting in us just settling"

All in all, whatever you may be going through, whether it's the peak of the mountain or the lowest point of the valley, never lose sight of the big picture.  Your dreams and goals can still come true.  The doors to the prison door are already unlocked, yet why must we refuse to exit.  It's very convenient to remain in the state we are.  Depression and dejection are nothing short of false senses of security, as are arrogance and complacency.  I believe in the power within you to break out and break forth towards making all your goals and aspirations a reality.  Break free today or continue to be bound...the choice is yours!