You Will Be Tackled
Early this morning, I sat in a room of 800 people eating scrambled eggs, bacon, and drinking coffee as we celebrated and supported our youth. The Boys and Girls Club does an absolutely amazing job for creating awareness of their organization, programs, and most importantly, children whose lives they actively change. I am so thankful to the leadership of this organization. Sam and Stacy Galeotos, Rolinda Sample, and Michelle DeHoff are just a few of the people who give so generously of their time and treasure to ensure a better tomorrow for these children and ultimately, our community. I am so thankful I was able to be a small part of today’s celebration.
Reggie Rivers, former NFL player, was the guest speaker. He so confidently said, “You will be tackled.” On the football field, in life, and likely, while running for office, being tackled is part of the game. He asked, “Are you prepared to be tackled? Or are you the kind of person who is going to break their leg or cry when you get tackled? If you are, then I can’t use you.” It really made me stop and think how I might respond to being tackled over the next 3-5 months of my campaign and then ultimately, in office.
I know I am fully capable, experienced, and ready to lead our City. I have had a long career leading others and organizations in the military, private, and public sector. I am use to managing multiple million dollars budgets simultaneously. Having vision and then strategically implementing the vision with a team is what I do. The job, the work, the elbow grease are something I have never turned away from.
However, today his statement made me ask: how am I going to respond to being tackled? I’d like to think that all of the other tackles in my life have prepared me for the ones that are coming. I’ve been practicing and conditioning myself for this very next play. Despite that, like Reggie, I can’t help but to hope I’m going to make it down the field in one piece. And, when I am tackled, that I can pick myself up and overcome. Just like the kids we celebrated this morning do. Every. Single. Day.
Reggie Rivers, former NFL player, was the guest speaker. He so confidently said, “You will be tackled.” On the football field, in life, and likely, while running for office, being tackled is part of the game. He asked, “Are you prepared to be tackled? Or are you the kind of person who is going to break their leg or cry when you get tackled? If you are, then I can’t use you.” It really made me stop and think how I might respond to being tackled over the next 3-5 months of my campaign and then ultimately, in office.
I know I am fully capable, experienced, and ready to lead our City. I have had a long career leading others and organizations in the military, private, and public sector. I am use to managing multiple million dollars budgets simultaneously. Having vision and then strategically implementing the vision with a team is what I do. The job, the work, the elbow grease are something I have never turned away from.
However, today his statement made me ask: how am I going to respond to being tackled? I’d like to think that all of the other tackles in my life have prepared me for the ones that are coming. I’ve been practicing and conditioning myself for this very next play. Despite that, like Reggie, I can’t help but to hope I’m going to make it down the field in one piece. And, when I am tackled, that I can pick myself up and overcome. Just like the kids we celebrated this morning do. Every. Single. Day.
