I’ve always viewed sports as my escape from the daily grind of reality. It’s really a big downer when controversy is brought into sports. I feel we have enough negativity in our daily lives, and I’d rather be in my “happy place.”

With my father being a football defensive coordinator my entire childhood, I was brought up in a very strong athletic environment. And, being a single parent for more than 12 years, my children were brought up the same way. Athletics and sports is one component that bonded me with my children.

As you know from reading my column over the past many years, my children were talented athletes. Even to this day, my 19-year-old son Dylan and I compete in physique contests several times a year.

There are many families where sports are an intricate part of raising children. But not only that, how many friendships are made with other parents during sport seasons?

Typically, after each game, families gather to celebrate the day’s events. It didn’t matter if the kids won or lost, it was about having a good time and escaping from responsibilities of daily pressure.

Back when my kids were in elementary school, playing three different sports a year, my house was that house everyone gathered. I created a huge playground in my backyard for all the kids to enjoy and create wonderful memories together. That bond stayed with them throughout high school.

You can say the same for all the parents. Everyone would bring coolers and food, and we would sit outside laughing and making fun of each other.

Now, I drive by the parks and see all the little kids running around with new sets of parents creating friendships. I truly miss those days.

For those of you where this is now your world, embrace every moment. Don’t let the running around trying to get your kids to practice be a burden because it will eventually end and you’ll be sad.

So, as all the new seasons begin, make sports your happy place, and teach your kids the same. Not all kids have athletic talent, so make sure to keep it fun for them.

Remember, it’s only a game, and this will be there most treasured childhood memories.

Timeouts seem to have become popular with modern day parenting and teaching. As we all know, when a kid is misbehaving, they are put in timeout and removed from any fun activities. The lesson is for kids to learn negative actions create negative responses.

Just know, there were NO timeouts during my childhood for anyone in the neighborhood. We feared other consequences and that was enough to keep us focused. Now, don’t misunderstand me, my sister Karen and I were fortunate to be raised by loving parents, plus dad was my superhero. But, dad had superpowers, too. Love you, Dad.

Ok, so where and when do we need timeouts as adults? For those of us who work a full-time job, we are given several weeks of vacation according to years of employment.

I learned an important lesson a few years ago. I worked eight years in medical sales for one company, and only took a one-week vacation per year. Money was tight, and as a single parent, I feared losing business while away from work. After those eight years, I moved to a better opportunity and realized I lost critical time with my kids. Now, I take all the vacation I can get and make the most of it by building lasting memories. And, you should, too.

Sometimes, we get bombarded with stress from work, society, children and spouses. You feel like the world is crashing down and you’re drowning in anger. We all experience this, but it’s important to put yourself in timeout.

I’ve actually trained myself to recognize these situations, stop my actions, regroup my thoughts and foresee the bigger picture. This might seem strange, but when the world is punching me from all angles, I start laughing hysterically and yell, “Is that all you got? Bring it, because I’m stronger than that!”

Listen, if you’re giving your best each day, then you are experiencing all that life has to offer. There will disappointments, tragedies and you’ll get knocked down. But, you will also have victories, triumphs and successes because no one and nothing can keep you down.

Now, take a timeout today, regroup and recognize how truly amazing you are.

Every time we hear a professional athlete speak about winning, they are all chasing a championship ring. It’s the ultimate trophy expressing first place.

Now, first place or being first can be experienced in countless situations.

How many of you were the first in your family to graduate college or trade school, eat healthy, exercise daily, find religion, volunteer and so on? The list is endless according to your status.

If you can’t find any “firsts” in your life, what’s holding you back?

Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile in 1954 when everyone thought it wasn’t possible by any human. Now, it’s the standard for male athletes to qualify for the Olympics.

Back in the 1976 Olympics, Russian gymnast Olga Korbut was the first woman to accomplish a back flip on the balance beam. The world went crazy with such a feat. Now, all elite gymnasts look at back flips as no big deal. But, Olga became the pioneer that changed balance beam competition forever.

Bottom line, if you truly have a passion to accomplish something, don’t let others’ negative words stop you. I guarantee lazy people hate when those around them have ambition. Losers seem to migrate to each other, just like ambitious people will eventually cross paths.

My kids have a passion to one day own businesses that help people. They are teenagers, so at this time, they’re not sure what that business is, but know it will be discovered in time.

I told them, all you have to do is find a need, then figure a way to solve it. That’s how all inventions are discovered. You will be the first to figure it out and, in turn, change people’s lives.

Now it’s time to take a realistic look at ourselves. Have we created any firsts? Are we just following others’ paths hoping for the same or better results?

Listen, it’s never too late for anything. Go out there and break barriers, create new paths, tackle the world to improve your life and those around you. Dig deep and be the first because we need you.

For all you average and overweight people, I have the weight loss secret formula for you, it’s quite simple and doesn’t cost any money. All you have to do is “eat less and exercise more.”

Admit it, the reason you are continually looking for the next big thing is because you lack discipline. Yes, that hurts, but it’s true for all of us.

You want to lose weight? Get that booty in motion in order to increase metabolism. Quit eating at buffets and accept smaller portions to feel full — not stuffed. Drink lots of water during meal times because not only is it good for you, but will fill your stomach faster. Of course, this means you’ll eat less and be satisfied.

I’ve written about it before, but I’ve had countless conversations with people regarding ripped abs. They tell how many situps and exercises they’re doing and it’s not working. I let them know, “yes, you are developing strong abdominals, but you’re hiding it under all that fat.” Ouch, but I tell people the truth.

How many of you take shortcuts at work? You think you’re flying below the radar and getting away with minimal effort. You’re truly not being that productive.

Guess what? Those shortcuts are not getting you the promotions or pay raises. And, if your company needs to downsize, you’re the first to go.

What about your spousal relationships? Are you cutting corners by just keeping them satisfied by being a good provider? Is it truly a partnership and not one-sided? Come on, step up your game and be adventurous. Be the person you want to be with.

We all get caught up in our busy stressful lives and looking for shortcuts. But you must put your priorities in order and put the effort and work in.

I tell people not to worry about a little extra fat and just be healthy and happy. When at work, put all your effort into it and be productive. This is called “job security.” Do something special for your spouse to let them know you appreciate and love them.

So, from now on, no more shortcuts and have an amazing fulfilling life.