West Virginia Wrestling

WEST VIRGINIA MAT THOUGHTS

by Dr. Bill Welker

...on a Brighter Future

Today I would like to offer some words of advice to our senior wrestlers and athletes of all sports), as they prepare to move on to adult living.

There are many new challenges, situations, and people you will meet as you begin to- face the world on your own. How you handle your future environment and acquaintances will determine whether or not you will have positive experiences.

The following are guidelines will make your travels through life more fulfilling, rewarding, and meaningful:

Ten Guidelines for a Brighter Future

Number One: Realize that life is not always fair. Accept what life dishes out by referring to the wonderful "Serenity Prayer" below when dealing with life's injustices.

The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I can not change;
The COURAGE to change the things that I can;
And the WISDOM to know the difference.

Number Two: Think before you act or speak. A moment of carelessness or anger can cause you years of regret. Keep in mind, "You can recover your balance when you trip, but not your words when they slip."

Number Three: Look for the beauty in life, in people, in nature -- and in yourself.

Number Four: Appreciate what you have -- the friends, the opportunities, and the material possessions.

Number Five: Make a maximum effort to have fun; it makes for some of the best memories. Number Six: Set aside some time for yourself. Do something you enjoy without feeling guilty.

Number Seven: Accept others without judgment. Everyone is unique, and it's okay to be different.

Number Eight: Always forgive. Feelings of bitterness and resentment hurt you much more than the person you are upset with.

Number Nine: Attempt to learn front all of life's experiences. Open your mind to new ideas and activities, and don't be afraid to try.

Number Ten: Never stop dreaming. Make plans, believe in yourself, and go for what you want.

I am 57 years old, but I still have many future hopes, ideas, plans and dreams for my family and myself. If you abide by the above suggestions I have shared with you, your future will be filled with many moments of happiness and success.

MAT MESSAGE
"Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him and to let him know that you trust him."
-- Booker T. Washington

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