Finding Time to Do Something That Has Been Apart of You For a Long Time...Priceless

Announcing sporting events had been a huge part of my life when I was in high school and college. There were several Friday and Saturday nights spent in old gyms, high school stadiums and small college venues calling the action for local radio and television stations. Calling games had been a big part of my life during that time and I look back on those times with great memories.

When college ended, I entered "the real world" and didn't have much of an opportunity to call games at all. I spent a lot of time adjusting to life after college but didn't spend a lot of time in old gyms, high school stadiums or small college venues calling the action. Something that had been a big part of my life wasn't there anymore.

Right before 2011 began, I received an e-mail from a neighbor of mine asking if I would be interesting in calling a Solon hockey game for the local community station. I hadn't called any type of sporting event in a couple of years and couldn't belief an opportunity presented itself. I said yes and ended up having a blast when I called the game two days later.

One year later, another opportunity presented itself to call two Solon hockey games and a wrestling match. I immediately said yes to these opportunities because I wanted to call the games again. I didn't care where and when the game or match was going to be played; I wanted to be in front of the microphone again.

The first game I called was a hockey game between Solon and Brecksville-Broadview Heights and the experience started to bring back great memories. The action was back and forth and as the game went into overtime, I couldn't help but be in the moment. It reminded me of so many close games I had called before and realized how much fun I was having behind the microphone again.

Not too long after that hockey game, I had an opportunity to call a Solon vs Maple Heights wrestling match. I personally hadn't been to a match in a couple of years and couldn't wait for the opportunity. Within the first couple of matches, I knew I was having fun again and couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience.

In both of these instances and with the second hockey game I would call a couple weeks after the wrestling match, I couldn't help but realize how much fun I had. Calling games had been a big part of my life in high school and college and on three separate occasions, I was able to do something I love once again. It was on a small scale but it didn't matter; what mattered was I had the opportunity to do something that had been apart of my life for a long time.

Take Time To Be Grateful

As the year is coming to a close, you may be looking back at both the good and the bad from the past year. Every year is different but there are usually good points and moments to be grateful for during that time. Before the year ends, take time to really think about the good moments from the past year and be grateful for those times.

To start off, take time to be grateful for those you have met and helped you along the way. Chances are, you came across people who helped you professionally or personally during the year. These people may have helped get you through a rough situation, may have helped you land a position or been a shoulder to cry on at times. Take a few moments to remember who was there for you during the good times and the bad, the people who were the first to say congratulations when you landed that big promotion or job, or who were always there for you no matter what. Take time to realize who these people are and find a way to say thank you.

Once you have done that, take time to be grateful for any goals you have accomplished. When looking back at where you were at previously, you may realize you have come along way from a certain point. Take a few moments to realize where you started, what path you took and how far you came from a previous point. You might end up being surprised as to how far along the path you have walked and how much you have accomplished.

Lastly, take time to realize what lies ahead for you and what opportunities may arise. Take time to realize what can be ahead in your future, how these opportunities came about and why you are excited. Having a solid foundation with opportunities is an incredible thing to be grateful for and be thankful for what is in store.

Before the year is over, take time to be grateful; you might be surprised as to how much you have in store for you.