Whenever I hear the word practice, former NBA MVP Allan Iverson, and his rant about practice always comes to mind, "Practice? We talkin' about practice." Being a lover of sci-fi and all things Star Wars (well almost), Yoda and "Try not" is what I think about as well. I tell you these things in order to not only share two of my most treasured memories, but also to help me learn about myself, and to put into "practice" a few theories and ideas I've gotten over the past week about my authentic self. see the original draft of this blog I used sentences like "I am a sports fan" and "I am a sci-fi lover." However, "I am" has become a set of words with an immensely deeper meaning to me, with those two words comes a lot of conviction and I do believe that I know something about conviction. Looking back I have always put things in boxes and labeled them with "I am" and "you are". and then I would move myself around life's chess board according to those labels. However, like what was said on Wednesday we are not just the things we do, nor are we just the things we like.
Since meeting and subsequently marrying Holly, who herself is one senior project away obtaining a degree in Human Communication, I have in regards to our class been given a head start. I have the opportunity to be in a relationship that applies a lot of what our class is about. I will say however, I have been and will always be at a severe disadvantage, with her being a girl and extremely intelligent and all. I say this as a way to describe a thing about me that I might not be, but a thing I do enjoy. I love having meaningful and articulate conversation with my wife who has taught me above all to always speak with conviction. That does not mean that I am articulate, meaningful, or communicate well, but I'd like to.
So where am I going with this? Well, since this has been labeled "Put-Into-Practice", and this is about the authentic self, I will no longer be labeling myself as easily with the great "I AM" or "YOU ARE". There are things that I am, such as I am named Michael, I am of the male gender, I am a Father, I am Dad, I am Holly's' Husband. these things have meaning, some more than others, but they are all true, they are authentic. And that is speaking with conviction, not convictions.
-m
I used links not to show off but to have fun with something new I just learned.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I was only like 10 when that whole Allan Iverson thing happened but I still remember it. Seeing that again made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic post! The last line is thought provoking. Have you considered using that as platform or as a branding of sorts. Similar to Pitbulls and Parolees, "Conviction not Convictions" would be perfect for a foundation or some type of transitional service...you could sponsor events and sell wristbands and be the guest speaker at events and schools. You could start or contribute to a cause you're passionate about. Or maybe even a support group or maybe you already do these things or maybe you do not want to do any of these things and that is just fine. I just wanted to say that you seem like you are capable of making a difference...I personally think the phrase (name) is spot on. ~Aft.
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