Are You In The Stands Or On The Field?

"Some people make things happen.
Some people watch things happen."

Do you realize that when you are watching TV, very often you are observing people making a lot of money doing something they love? Let's not spend a lot of time passively watching actors, athletes, musicians, and political pundits.

Let's spend more time doing what we love, positively impacting others and providing well for ourselves, our families and others.

Don't get me wrong, as a lifelong, very devoted Chicago Cub fan, I enjoy following them throughout the season. And I attend my share of concerts. But these activities should be small, enjoyable slices of life, not what we live for.

Life is not meant to be a spectator sport.

Here are 4 ways you can get out of the stands and onto the playing field.

1. Hone Your Skills.
Take the natural talent you have, then refine and develop it to the point of excellence. This then becomes a strength.

2. Serve Somebody
The whole point of having a strength is to use it in service for someone else. Make sure you are regularly making a positive difference in the lives of others.

3. Create Something
Write a book, craft a quilt, design a house, start a side business, paint a picture, build a website, restore a car, nurture character in your children, learn to play a musical instrument, grow a garden, develop a friendship.

4. Get Out
Take a walk in nature, ride a bike, go to a museum, have coffee with a friend, visit another city for a weekend, take a personal retreat.

All of the above are positive, pro-active actions. We aren't made to watch life pass us by. The relaxer chair is there for us to enjoy just long enough to get replenished and go back in the game,  We are born to roll up our sleeves and make things happen.  We are born to be in the game, to get scrapes and bruises. To get dirt on our uniform. To experience failure and victory.

There is joy in the battle.

We have a very short time on Earth. Let's make the most of it.