Bret Hollander

My son and I recently attended the Winston Churchill High School Football Banquet for 2009. During the event, which was held at the Bolger Center in Potomac, MD, the guest speaker, Barry Smith, delivered a very uplifting speech to all attending.

“Okay, fellas, you got your football degrees and its a good time to set goals and devise a plan. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail. You need a roadmap, but be prepared for unintended detours, confusing signs and closed roads. Don’t be afraid of change or be unwilling to change. Enjoy the journey, wherever it takes you, because that’s your life.

Chances are, success and happiness are among your goals. But be careful, they’re not the same — all successful people aren’t happy and all happy people aren’t successful. If you have to choose, choose happiness. “Take control of your life by taking control of your attitudes. Pain and disappointment are inevitable, but suffering is optional and tough times are always temporary.

Live within your means, and when you mess up, fess up. When you’re in a hole, stop digging. Listen to both your heart and your head. Pursue your passions, but don’t confuse feelings with facts, fun with happiness or pleasure with fulfillment. “Don’t sacrifice a thousand tomorrows for a few todays, and don’t settle for a little life. Live with purpose and for significance. Respect yourself and others, avoid self-righteousness and be kind rather than right.”