How to Love Your Life

How to Love Your Life

~ Author Unknown ~

Have you ever read a motivation story that demonstrated courage and dignity under the worst possible circumstances? I have. It's the story of Walter Payton's last weeks. While his background may not be familiar to you, his story will touch and help you. If you do not know who Walter Payton was - he was a great running back for the Chicago Bears NFL football team for 13 years, was named to the All-Pro team nine times, and was named league Most Valuable Player twice.

In 1999, Walter Payton contracted a rare liver disease along with an even rarer form of cancer. His prognosis was bleak. He was going to die. He died when he was only 45 years old of bile duct cancer on November 1, 1999.

 How does a person deal with something like this? Walter Payton, along with Don Yeager, wrote a book called Never Die Easy. It shares inspiring lessons that can help you - as you, hopefully, face a less daunting challenge than Mr. Payton did.

As with most professional athletes, I'm sure Walter Payton recognized the importance of good nutrition and staying fit. Therefore, his diagnosis must have proved shocking.

If you want to read the details of his last days, as well as an autobiography of this life, then I recommend you read his book. It will touch you emotionally. However, I want to focus on the inspiring lessons Walter Payton's ordeal teaches.

A motivation story such as Walter Payton's offers many inspiring lessons to draw from. For instance:

• No matter how bleak your circumstances, you do not have to be a victim. You can find courage to live the days you have to the best of your ability. Unlike Mr. Payton, you have another chance. Take it.
• Never take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. So appreciate what you have. Always remember that you are no better than anyone else and that every opportunity you have to meet someone is an opportunity to leave a piece of yourself. Every moment you have matters, so act like it.
• If you don't have good health, you have nothing. So don't take your physical or mental health for granted. Cherish you. This is your only shot at it.  
• Take time to enjoy the little things in life. So, slow down, and observe all the wonderful things that are around you each day.....you may surprise yourself.
• Never die easy. This was Walter Payton's life motto. He learned this message from his college football coach. It means, never give up or die without trying - without giving your best. You might have to face painful stuff head on, but do it. Never make it easy for the negative stuff in life to consume you. Fight. Be strong. Show courage.

I hope, in some small way, you too can find inspiration from this inspiring story as you deal with the hardships that may come along in your life. Stay strong. Stay positive. Love your life.

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Do you have any fascinating facts or stories that you would like to share? Please let me know! richmullercoach@gmail.com

LOVE LAUGH LOVE

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Note: In addition to writing my own blogs / stories, I also like to search for stories and other inspiring / motivating / encouraging things from around the World Wide Web. If you see an article or story that you have written and want it removed, please feel free to let me know. I do try to give credit to the people and/or web sites that I find the information when I can.